Which item listed under Basic Equipment Used For Trauma is specifically designed to immobilize the spine?

Which item listed under Basic Equipment Used For Trauma is specifically designed to immobilize the spine?

• A. Backboard
• B. Tourniquet
• C. Gauze Pads
• D. Syringe

Answer: (A)

In trauma care, preventing movement of the spine when injury is possible is essential to protect the spinal cord. A backboard provides a rigid, flat surface that can securely hold the patient in a straight, neutral position and be strapped down from head to hips. This immobilizes the spine during transport and minimizes movements that could worsen a spinal injury. The other items serve different purposes—tourniquets control severe bleeding, gauze pads dress wounds, and syringes deliver medications—so they don’t immobilize the spine.

In trauma care, preventing movement of the spine when injury is possible is essential to protect the spinal cord. A backboard provides a rigid, flat surface that can securely hold the patient in a straight, neutral position and be strapped down from head to hips. This immobilizes the spine during transport and minimizes movements that could worsen a spinal injury. The other items serve different purposes—tourniquets control severe bleeding, gauze pads dress wounds, and syringes deliver medications—so they don’t immobilize the spine.