How should you move a casualty with a suspected spinal injury during evacuation?

• A. Use Log-Roll Technique With Inline Immobilization Of The Head And Spine
• B. Carry By Arms
• C. Drag On The Ground
• D. Skip Immobilization

Answer: (A)

When a casualty may have a spinal injury, keeping the spine in a straight, aligned position during movement is essential to prevent further damage. The log-roll technique with inline immobilization does exactly that: the person is rolled as a single unit while the head, neck, and spine are kept in line, typically with a cervical collar and a backboard in place. This coordinated transfer minimizes any bending or twisting of the spine and allows the team to transport the casualty safely to a suitable surface or stretcher without compromising the spinal cord.

Carrying by the arms or dragging along the ground would require bending or twisting the spine and can introduce dangerous moments that worsen the injury. Skipping immobilization leaves the spine free to shift during movement, substantially increasing the risk of secondary damage.