In a suspected neck or back injury, which immobilization equipment is recommended?

• A. Soft collar and blanket
• B. Cervical collar and backboard
• C. Head immobilizer only
• D. No immobilization

Answer: (B)

When there’s a suspected neck or back injury, the priority is to prevent any movement of the spine to avoid worsening damage. A cervical collar provides rigid support to the neck, limiting flexion, extension, and rotation. The backboard then immobilizes the spine as a whole, keeping the head, neck, and torso aligned and secured during transport. Together, they control movement from head to hips and reduce the risk of secondary injury.

Using a soft collar with a blanket doesn’t offer the rigid stabilization needed for a potential spinal injury, so movement can still occur. A head immobilizer alone addresses only the head and won’t prevent movement of the neck or torso. No immobilization is unsafe because it leaves the spine vulnerable to deterioration of injury. In practice, apply manual in-line stabilization, place a cervical collar, then transfer the patient to a rigid backboard and secure with straps, using head immobilization as needed to keep the head aligned with the spine.