skip to main content

Suspected cervical spine injury — DipIMC MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyPre-Hospital Trauma ManagementSuspected cervical spine injuryDipIMC

A 67-year-old man has fallen down a full flight of stairs and is seated at the bottom. He has neck pain, paraesthesia in the right arm, is alert, and an ambulance is five minutes away; you are the sole clinician on scene. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Ask the bystander to maintain manual in-line stabilisation while you assess him

This patient has possible cervical spine injury with neurological symptoms, so manual in-line stabilisation and a structured assessment are appropriate while awaiting additional help. Moving him to the floor may worsen injury and is not required while he is alert and maintaining his airway. Oxygen is not the first priority in the absence of hypoxaemia or respiratory compromise. The pearl is that spinal motion restriction should be risk-based and proportionate rather than automatic immobilisation of every patient.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines 2025; NICE Spinal Injury NG41