When you are the first on the scene of a vehicle crash and the driver is unresponsive, you should

When you are the first on the scene of a vehicle crash and the driver is unresponsive, you should

• A. Start CPR immediately
• B. Check for a pulse
• C. Move the victim out of the vehicle
• D. Support the victim's head and neck if you can safely reach into the vehicle

Answer: (D)

In a crash with an unresponsive driver, the priority is to prevent further injury to the spine. If you can safely reach into the vehicle, gently support the head and neck in a neutral position to keep the spine aligned. This stabilization helps protect the airway and minimizes the risk of worsening a potential spinal injury while you call for help and assess breathing and circulation. Moving the victim out of the vehicle could cause more harm, and CPR is indicated if there is no pulse and no breathing, but stabilizing the head and neck comes first when possible to avoid twisting or bending the neck. Checking for a pulse remains part of the quick assessment, but doing so with the head and neck supported reduces the chance of additional injury.

In a crash with an unresponsive driver, the priority is to prevent further injury to the spine. If you can safely reach into the vehicle, gently support the head and neck in a neutral position to keep the spine aligned. This stabilization helps protect the airway and minimizes the risk of worsening a potential spinal injury while you call for help and assess breathing and circulation. Moving the victim out of the vehicle could cause more harm, and CPR is indicated if there is no pulse and no breathing, but stabilizing the head and neck comes first when possible to avoid twisting or bending the neck. Checking for a pulse remains part of the quick assessment, but doing so with the head and neck supported reduces the chance of additional injury.