Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Trauma Practice Test

Which of the following actions is MOST important when immobilizing a patient with a suspected spinal injury?

1. Check range of motion by asking the patient to move the head

2. Secure the patient's head prior to immobilizing the torso

3. Select and apply the appropriate size of extrication collar

4. A vest-style immobilization device should routinely be used

The correct answer is: Check range of motion by asking the patient to move the head

When immobilizing a patient with a suspected spinal injury, the most important action is to check the range of motion by asking the patient to move their head. This is crucial because if there is any pain or resistance when the patient moves, it could indicate a spinal injury, and immobilization is necessary to prevent further damage. It is important to ensure that the spine is kept in a neutral position and minimizing movement until the patient can be fully immobilized. Options B, C, and D are not as critical as option A when it comes to immobilizing a patient with a suspected spinal injury. While securing the patient's head, selecting the appropriate extrication collar, and using a vest-style immobilization device are important steps in immobilization, checking the range of motion takes precedence as it directly assesses the integrity of the patient's spine in the initial stages of care.