What is the recommended practice during transport to minimize movement for a patient with potential spinal injury?

• A. Encourage the patient to walk to aid circulation
• B. Continue normal movement to avoid stiffness
• C. Move only when there is no one to help
• D. Immobilize with a cervical collar, secure to a backboard, and minimize movement during transport

Answer: (D)

Preventing movement of the spine during transport is essential because even small shifts can worsen a spinal injury and threaten neurological function. The best practice is to immobilize the head and neck with a cervical collar, secure the patient to a rigid backboard, and tightly restrain the body to minimize movement of the spine during movement. Keeping the spine in a neutral, aligned position, and moving only with proper inline stabilization (using team-assisted log-rolling if re-positioning is needed) reduces the risk of secondary injury. Encouraging walking, allowing normal movement, or moving only when unassisted would all introduce dangerous motion that could worsen injury.