Why is it important to minimize movement of casualties with suspected spinal injury?

• A. To speed evacuation by flexible moving.
• B. To reduce pain only.
• C. To prevent secondary injury to the spinal cord; maintain immobilization until cleared.
• D. To allow for faster assessment.

Answer: (C)

Minimizing movement of casualties with suspected spinal injury is essential to prevent secondary injury to the spinal cord. When the spine is injured, even small motions can cause vertebral fragments to press on or irritate the spinal cord, or disrupt blood flow to neural tissue, leading to new or worsened neurological deficits after the initial injury. Keeping the spine immobilized—properly using a rigid collar, backboard, and careful handling—helps preserve alignment and reduces the chance of escalating damage during transport and assessment. This immobilization should continue until a qualified clinician has evaluated the patient and ruled in or out instability with appropriate imaging. While alleviating pain and speeding evacuation are important, they don’t address the primary threat of additional spinal cord injury without immobilization.