What should you do if you suspect a spinal injury and the patient deteriorates during transport?

• A. Remove immobilization to ease breathing.
• B. Do not remove immobilization; maintain spinal alignment; reassess and adjust immobilization as needed; escalate to advanced care; keep airway clear.
• C. Ignore spinal precautions and proceed as normal.
• D. Only adjust immobilization if asked by patient.

Answer: (B)

When you suspect a spinal injury, protect the spine during transport by keeping immobilization in place and maintaining proper alignment. If the patient deteriorates, the priority is to preserve that immobilization, recheck and adjust the straps or supports as needed, and escalate to advanced care without allowing any movement of the spine. At the same time, focus on airway and breathing: keep the airway clear, use manual stabilization if the head or neck needs support, and provide oxygen if available. Do not remove immobilization to ease breathing, because moving the spine can worsen a potential injury. Continue to monitor circulation and vital signs and seek higher-level care promptly.