If you suspect a head, neck, or spinal injury but the patient must be moved, which drag technique is most appropriate?

If you suspect a head, neck, or spinal injury but the patient must be moved, which drag technique is most appropriate?

• A. The Blanket Drag
• B. The Shoulder Drag
• C. The Ankle Drag
• D. The Hip Drag

Answer: (A)

Minimize movement of the spine when a head, neck, or spine injury is suspected. The blanket drag accomplishes this by moving the person as a single unit on a flat surface rather than lifting or pulling from the limbs, which helps keep the head, neck, and spine aligned during transport. It’s typically done with two rescuers who place a blanket under the person and drag from opposite corners, maintaining spinal alignment throughout. Dragging by the shoulders tends to twist or bend the neck, risking further injury to the cervical spine. Dragging by the hips or ankles can rotate the pelvis and lower body, also compromising spinal alignment. So, the blanket drag is the safest choice when moving someone with potential spinal injury.

Minimize movement of the spine when a head, neck, or spine injury is suspected. The blanket drag accomplishes this by moving the person as a single unit on a flat surface rather than lifting or pulling from the limbs, which helps keep the head, neck, and spine aligned during transport. It’s typically done with two rescuers who place a blanket under the person and drag from opposite corners, maintaining spinal alignment throughout.

Dragging by the shoulders tends to twist or bend the neck, risking further injury to the cervical spine. Dragging by the hips or ankles can rotate the pelvis and lower body, also compromising spinal alignment. So, the blanket drag is the safest choice when moving someone with potential spinal injury.