What is the primary action to take when managing a patient with suspected spinal injury?

When managing a patient with a suspected spinal injury, the primary action is to immobilize the spine using a cervical collar and a backboard. This is essential for preventing further injury to the spinal cord and surrounding structures. Immediate immobilization helps reduce the risk of movement that could exacerbate the injury, potentially leading to severe neurological damage or paralysis.

The use of a cervical collar stabilizes the cervical spine and minimizes movement of the head and neck, while a backboard provides support and maintains the alignment of the entire spine. This approach is crucial in the initial management of such injuries, ensuring that the patient is safely transported to a medical facility while minimizing the risk of further harm.

Other interventions, such as pain medication and neurological assessments, may be important but are not the immediate priority. Pain management is essential in the overall care but should not take precedence over stabilization. Performing a neurological assessment is also important for determining the extent of injury but should be done after securing the patient’s spine to avoid movements that could worsen the situation. Initiating intravenous fluid resuscitation may become important if there's associated hemorrhagic shock or other complications, but it does not address the fundamental need for spinal stabilization first.