Question

A 28-year-old motorcyclist is brought to the emergency department after a high-speed crash. He is alert but complains of neck pain. There is no neurological deficit. According to trauma principles, what is the most appropriate immediate management of his cervical spine?

Accepted Answer

Maintain cervical spine immobilisation with a rigid collar and in-line manual stabilisation

Answer

Ask him to actively flex and extend his neck to assess pain

Answer

Remove any cervical collar to improve comfort

Answer

Perform traction on the neck to relieve pain

Answer

No immobilisation is required because he is conscious

Practice question

A 28-year-old motorcyclist is brought to the emergency department after a high-speed crash. He is alert but complains of neck pain. There is no neurological deficit. According to trauma principles, what is the most appropriate immediate management of his cervical spine?