A male driver was ejected from his vehicle after it rolled several times at a high rate of speed. As you approach the patient you note that he is unresponsive and struggling to breathe. He also has a laceration to the left side of his face and multiple contusions to his legs. After assigning another EMT to take manual in-line spinal stabilization, what should you do?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Before any airway intervention, manual in-line spinal stabilization must be established to minimize the potential for further cervical spine injury. The jaw-thrust maneuver should be used to open the airway without moving the head or neck. Positive pressure ventilation or insertion of an oropharyngeal airway should not be performed until spinal stabilization is in place. A cervical collar should also be applied to further reduce the potential for movement of the cervical spine.

A Male Driver Was Ejected from His Vehicle After It