New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

In the case of a suspected spinal injury in a swimming pool, what should be the EMS provider's first action?

1. Lay the victim on a flat surface.

2. Take the patient out of the water and then stabilize.

3. Stabilize/immobilize the entire spine before removing from water.

4. Call for additional backup before proceeding.

The correct answer is: Stabilize/immobilize the entire spine before removing from water.

In the scenario of a suspected spinal injury in a swimming pool, the first priority for an EMS provider is to stabilize and immobilize the entire spine before attempting to remove the patient from the water. This step is critical because movement of the victim could lead to further injury or exacerbate any existing spinal damage. The water can provide some buoyancy and support which may reduce the risk of movement during this vital stabilization process. The importance of spine stabilization cannot be overstated; proper techniques, such as using a cervical collar and manual stabilization of the head, are crucial to prevent any unnecessary motion. Once the spine is secured, the EMS provider can then proceed to safely extricate the patient from the pool, minimizing the risk of further injury. In this case, prioritizing stabilization over removing the patient from the water reflects a thorough understanding of spinal injury management, which is a fundamental component of EMT training. This approach aligns with established protocol for dealing with potential spinal injuries, ensuring the patient's safety is maintained throughout the emergency response.