When should you immobilize the spine in a multi-trauma patient?

• A. After primary assessment and rapid head-to-toe assessment and addressing life threats
• B. Before any treatment
• C. Only if there is a neck complaint
• D. Never

Answer: (A)

In trauma care, life threats and the primary survey take priority. You first check airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure to quickly identify and treat any immediately life-threatening problems. Only after those threats are addressed and the patient is stabilized should you apply spine immobilization. Immobilization is used to prevent movement that could worsen a spinal injury, and it should not delay essential interventions like airway management or controlling severe bleeding. If the patient needs urgent life-saving treatment, address that first, then immobilize once possible. This sequencing helps protect the spine without compromising the patient’s immediate safety.