What immediate care should be given for a suspected spinal injury?

The immediate care for a suspected spinal injury focuses on preventing further injury to the spine and ensuring the safety of the patient. Keeping the patient still and minimizing movement is crucial because any unnecessary movement can exacerbate the injury, potentially leading to permanent damage, paralysis, or other serious complications.

When a spinal injury is suspected, the primary concern is to stabilize the spine as much as possible. If the spinal cord or surrounding structures are injured, even slight movements could worsen the condition. Keeping the patient still helps maintain alignment and minimizes the risk of additional trauma.

In contrast, moving the patient onto their side could result in twisting or bending the spine, which is highly discouraged in cases of suspected spinal injuries. Encouraging the patient to walk it off or perform stretches is dangerous and could lead to increased injury due to movement of the spine. These actions would not only fail to address the situation appropriately but could also lead to severe consequences for the patient's health. Therefore, the correct course of action is to keep the patient still and minimize movement to enhance their chances of recovery without exacerbating their condition.