What is critical to remember when caring for someone with a possible head or spinal injury?

When caring for someone with a possible head or spinal injury, it is crucial to keep the person as still and calm as possible. Movement can exacerbate the injury by potentially causing further damage to the spinal cord or brain. Maintaining stillness helps prevent any additional trauma that could occur from twisting or bending the spine, which might lead to paralysis or other serious complications.

Keeping the person calm is also important as anxiety can lead to movements, such as struggling or attempting to get up, which increases risk. Additionally, a calm demeanor from the rescuer can help to reassure the injured person, which is important for their psychological well-being until professional help arrives.

Moving the person to a more comfortable position, removing their clothing for assessment, or encouraging them to walk could lead to significant increases in risk. Each of these actions carries the potential for worsening an existing injury, making it clear that minimizing movement and maintaining calm is paramount in such situations.