Prehospital cervical spinal immobilization after trauma.

S pinal immobilization of all trauma patients with a cervical spine or spinal cord injury or with a mechanism of injury having the potential to cause cervical spinal injury is recommended. • Triage of patients with potential spinal injury at the scene by trained and experienced emergency medical services personnel to determine the need for immobilization during transport is recommended. • Immobilization of trauma patients who are awake, alert, and are not intoxicated; who are without neck pain or tenderness; who do not have an abnormal motor or sensory examination; and who do not have any significant associated injury that might detract from their general evaluation is not recommended.