How should rescuers handle patients with spinal injuries?

Keeping the patient as still as possible and avoiding unnecessary movement is crucial when dealing with spinal injuries. This approach is vital because movement can exacerbate the injury, potentially causing further damage to the spinal cord and surrounding structures. Spinal injuries often come with the risk of neurological damage, and any sudden or excessive motion might lead to paralysis or other long-term complications.

When rescuers maintain spinal immobilization and stabilize the patient, they reduce the risk of secondary injuries that could occur during transport or while providing care. Techniques such as using a backboard and securing the individual can be part of the overall care, but the primary goal is to prevent any movement that could worsen the injury. Therefore, the emphasis on stillness and careful handling is a best practice in emergency medical response involving spinal injuries.