A pre-hospital team encounters a 45-year-old male who has been involved in a road traffic collision and has a suspected cervical spine injury. He is i...

Question

A pre-hospital team encounters a 45-year-old male who has been involved in a road traffic collision and has a suspected cervical spine injury. He is immobilised with blocks and tape on a scoop stretcher. During transport, he vomits. What is the immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Tilt the entire scoop stretcher to the lateral position while maintaining spinal alignment - suction the airway - this prevents aspiration while preserving spinal immobilisation

Answer

Sit the patient upright to prevent aspiration

Answer

Remove the patient from the stretcher completely

Answer

Remove the blocks and tape to allow the patient to turn his head

Answer

Keep the patient supine and use suction only

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): Vomiting in Spinal Immobilisation

A pre-hospital team encounters a 45-year-old male who has been involved in a road traffic collision and has a suspected cervical spine injury. He is immobilised with blocks and tape on a scoop stretcher. During transport, he vomits. What is the immediate action?