What should you do if you suspect a cervical spine injury and lack of breath in the victim of a road accident?
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Correct answer
C. Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Explanation
In the photo, you can see a driver sitting in a car with his head bent forward, holding the back of his neck. When you suspect a cervical spine injury and the casualty is not breathing, you start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) - answer C.
No breathing means cardiac arrest, which without help leads to death within a few minutes. Saving life therefore comes before protecting the spine: you place the casualty on their back, open the airway and start chest compressions. Bending the head to the chest (answer A) closes the airway and puts strain on the neck. Putting something under the head (answer B) also bends the head forward and makes breathing difficult. With a conscious casualty with a suspected spinal injury, you limit their movements, but when there is no breathing, you act without delay.
Legal basis: Art. 162 § 1 of the Criminal Code; Art. 44 para. 2 point 1 of the Road Traffic Act (Prawo o ruchu drogowym)