What is the first step when suspecting a spinal injury?

When suspecting a spinal injury, stabilizing the head and neck is critical because it helps prevent further injury to the spinal cord. Any movement of the head or neck can exacerbate the injury, potentially leading to increased damage or even paralysis. By immobilizing these areas, you minimize the risk of additional trauma during assessment and transport.

Checking for breathing and pulse is important in overall patient assessment, but in the case of a suspected spinal injury, the immediate priority should be to stabilize the spine to prevent complications. Moving the patient to a flat surface may not be safe or advisable, as it risks further injury, and administering oxygen, while beneficial in many scenarios, must also be secondary to ensuring the patient’s head and neck are secured first. Thus, focusing on stabilization is the first action to take in this situation.