Which combination best maintains spinal immobilization during extraction?

Which combination best maintains spinal immobilization during extraction?

• A. Cervical collar, head immobilization, and backboard
• B. The patient is moved only with a chair held in place
• C. Rely on the seat belt to immobilize
• D. Cervical collar, head immobilization, but not secured to backboard

Answer: (A)

Maintaining spinal immobilization means preventing movement of the head, neck, and spine as a single unit during extraction. A cervical collar limits cervical spine motion, head immobilization stops the head from shifting relative to the neck, and securing the patient to a backboard provides rigid support for the entire spine during lifting and transfer. Using all three keeps the spine aligned and minimizes any movement that could worsen an injury. The other approaches don’t provide complete immobilization: moving someone with a chair held in place can still allow trunk or head movement; relying on a seat belt alone won’t control motion of the head or torso during extraction; and having head immobilization without securing to a backboard lets the torso shift and rotate, compromising spinal alignment.

Maintaining spinal immobilization means preventing movement of the head, neck, and spine as a single unit during extraction. A cervical collar limits cervical spine motion, head immobilization stops the head from shifting relative to the neck, and securing the patient to a backboard provides rigid support for the entire spine during lifting and transfer. Using all three keeps the spine aligned and minimizes any movement that could worsen an injury.

The other approaches don’t provide complete immobilization: moving someone with a chair held in place can still allow trunk or head movement; relying on a seat belt alone won’t control motion of the head or torso during extraction; and having head immobilization without securing to a backboard lets the torso shift and rotate, compromising spinal alignment.