When a head injury occurs, which precaution is essential?

• A. Do not move the patient.
• B. Only check for bleeding.
• C. Always suspect neck and spinal cord injury with a head injury; call EMS; perform neurological assessment; keep quiet if conscious; gather information.
• D. Wait for full consciousness.

Answer: (C)

Head injuries can be accompanied by neck or spinal injuries, and moving the head or neck can worsen any undetected cervical spine damage. The safest, most effective approach is to treat as a potential spinal injury until proven otherwise: call emergency services so the patient can be immobilized and transported properly, and a professional can assess and manage the injury. While waiting, perform a neurological check to monitor brain function—note level of consciousness, speech, pupil response, motor strength, and sensation in all limbs—and keep the person as still and calm as possible to prevent further injury and reduce agitation. Gather information from witnesses about how the injury occurred, any symptoms that have appeared, the person’s medications and allergies, and the time of injury to share with EMS and hospital staff. If the person is unconscious or not breathing, provide life-support measures, but avoid unnecessary movement of the neck.