How should you respond to a potential spinal injury in-flight?

• A. Do not move the passenger; stabilize head/neck and align with body; wait for EMS.
• B. Move the passenger to improve comfort.
• C. Position the passenger by turning the head to the side to check breathing.
• D. Apply a makeshift neck brace and transport to medical unit.

Answer: (C)

When a spinal injury is possible, the priority is to prevent any further movement of the spine. On a flight, the safest approach is to keep the passenger’s head, neck, and spine in a neutral, aligned position and immobilize the neck. Do not move them unless there is immediate danger. If you must assess airway or breathing, use a jaw-thrust maneuver to open the airway without tilting or turning the head, and check breathing with as little neck movement as possible. Do not turn the head to the side to check breathing. Do not apply improvised neck braces or move the person for comfort, and await professional medical help or EMS. This approach protects the spinal cord while you monitor and support the passenger.