What is the priority when encountering someone with a spinal injury?

When encountering someone with a spinal injury, the priority is to stabilize their head and neck immediately. This is crucial because the spinal cord is highly vulnerable, and any movement could exacerbate the injury, potentially leading to paralysis or other severe complications. By stabilizing the head and neck, you minimize the risk of causing further damage while ensuring that the person remains as safe as possible until professional medical help can take over.

Stabilization involves keeping the person's head and neck in a neutral position, which may require additional support from your hands or other available materials. This action is vital because it helps to maintain alignment in the spinal column and prevents any sudden or abrupt movements that could compromise the spinal cord's integrity.

Other options, while they might seem relevant in certain contexts, do not prioritize the immediate safety of the person with the spinal injury. For instance, encouraging movement can increase the risk of injury, checking for other injuries might delay critical stabilization, and allowing the person to sit up can lead to unnecessary strain or twisting of the spine. Therefore, immediate stabilization is the most effective and safe response in this situation.