What is the purpose of manual in-line stabilization of the head during movement of a patient with a potential spinal injury?

• A. to check for facial injuries
• B. to improve airway clearance
• C. to secure the airway immediately
• D. to prevent movement of the head relative to the spine

Answer: (D)

During movement of someone with a potential spinal injury, the goal of manual in-line stabilization is to keep the head from moving relative to the spine. Any shift of the head can cause unwanted motion of the cervical vertebrae, potentially worsening a spinal injury or causing damage to the spinal cord. By keeping the head aligned with the spine and stabilizing it from the sides, you minimize flexion, extension, and rotation during transfer or while you perform assessments or airway maneuvers. The other tasks—checking facial injuries or securing or clearing the airway—are important, but they are not the purpose of this stabilization technique; protecting the spine from motion comes first while you manage the patient.