What is the best practice for handling someone with suspected spinal injuries?

Keeping someone with suspected spinal injuries still and calm is the best practice because it helps to minimize the risk of further injury to the spine. Any movement could potentially worsen the injury or cause additional damage to the spinal cord, which could lead to lasting impairment. By maintaining stillness, you reduce the chance of exacerbating the situation, especially if there is a fracture or dislocation involved.

This approach also assists in reassuring the individual, which can help alleviate anxiety. A calm demeanor from the first aid provider can offer comfort, making it more likely that the person will remain still, which is crucial until professional medical help arrives.

In this scenario, the focus is on stabilization rather than mobilization or intervention, as premature action could lead to serious consequences.