Extrication with spinal motion restriction is used when a person has a suspected head, neck, or spinal injury but appears to be breathing.

Extrication with spinal motion restriction is used when a person has a suspected head, neck, or spinal injury but appears to be breathing.

• A. Used when a person has a suspected head, neck, or spinal injury but appears to be breathing.
• B. Used when a person is unconscious but has a shallow breath.
• C. Used when a person has no suspected spinal injury.
• D. Used only on land.

Answer: (A)

Maintaining spinal alignment during movement is essential whenever there may be a head, neck, or spinal injury. A spine injury can be present even if the person is breathing, and moving them without immobilization can worsen the damage. Extrication with spinal motion restriction is used in that situation so you can move the person to safety while keeping the spine in neutral alignment, protecting the spinal cord, and continuing to monitor and support breathing. It isn’t limited to a person who is unconscious or not breathing, it isn’t used only when there’s no suspected spinal injury, and it can be necessary in water as well as on land.

Maintaining spinal alignment during movement is essential whenever there may be a head, neck, or spinal injury. A spine injury can be present even if the person is breathing, and moving them without immobilization can worsen the damage. Extrication with spinal motion restriction is used in that situation so you can move the person to safety while keeping the spine in neutral alignment, protecting the spinal cord, and continuing to monitor and support breathing. It isn’t limited to a person who is unconscious or not breathing, it isn’t used only when there’s no suspected spinal injury, and it can be necessary in water as well as on land.