As you approach a motorcyclist who was thrown from his bike, you hear him saying that he cannot feel or move his legs. You note obvious deformity to both femurs as well as his left wrist and forearm. Emergency Medical Responders are holding manual in-line spinal stabilization. Of the following, which should be done first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Checking the rate and effort of breathing is a critical primary assessment step that should be done first to ensure the airway is clear and the patient is able to breathe. This should be a priority over checking motor function and sensation or looking for bleeding, as airway and breathing are essential for life. Placing a cervical collar and administering oxygen should also be done, but these are secondary assessment steps that can wait until after the airway and breathing are assessed.

As You Approach a Motorcyclist Who Was Thrown from His