When positioning a casualty with suspected spinal injury, how should you roll them?

When positioning a casualty with suspected spinal injury, how should you roll them?

• A. Roll the casualty onto his back as a unit to avoid twisting if a spinal injury is suspected
• B. Twist the casualty onto the side to relieve pressure
• C. Move the casualty face down to facilitate breathing
• D. Sit the casualty upright to check breathing

Answer: (A)

When a spinal injury is suspected, the priority is to minimize movement of the spine and keep it in a straight line. The best approach is to roll the casualty onto their back as a single unit, with the head and neck stabilized so the spine stays aligned. If possible, use multiple rescuers to perform a smooth log-roll, preserving the three-point alignment from head to hips. This minimizes twisting or bending of the spine. Moving the casualty onto the side, face-down, or sitting upright would introduce twisting, flexion, or other movements of the spine, which can worsen a spinal injury and potentially affect breathing or airway management.

When a spinal injury is suspected, the priority is to minimize movement of the spine and keep it in a straight line. The best approach is to roll the casualty onto their back as a single unit, with the head and neck stabilized so the spine stays aligned. If possible, use multiple rescuers to perform a smooth log-roll, preserving the three-point alignment from head to hips. This minimizes twisting or bending of the spine.

Moving the casualty onto the side, face-down, or sitting upright would introduce twisting, flexion, or other movements of the spine, which can worsen a spinal injury and potentially affect breathing or airway management.