Which statement correctly describes the priority during field transport of a patient with suspected spinal injury?

• A. Maintain inline stabilization and secure on spine board during transport
• B. Allow patient to sit up for comfort
• C. Remove immobilization to speed evacuation
• D. Place on soft mattress in vehicle

Answer: (A)

The primary idea is preventing any movement of the spine during transport when spinal injury is suspected. Keeping the head, neck, and spine in a neutral, aligned position and securing the patient to a rigid spine board minimizes the risk of worsening a spinal injury as you move to the hospital. That’s why maintaining inline stabilization and securing on a spine board during transport is the best choice.

Letting the patient sit up can cause dangerous flexion or rotation of the spine and may compromise the airway. Removing immobilization to speed evacuation introduces movement that can worsen injury. Placing the patient on a soft mattress fails to provide the rigid support needed to keep the spine stable. In practice, you maintain manual in-line stabilization as needed, apply a cervical collar, and secure the patient to the board to preserve spinal alignment throughout transport.