In the crash scenario, which finding would raise suspicion for a cervical spine injury?

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Multiple Choice

In the crash scenario, which finding would raise suspicion for a cervical spine injury?

In crash assessments, the mechanism and visible signs of the impact guide how likely a cervical spine injury is. Spider-webbing on the windshield shows the occupant endured a high-energy deceleration and direct contact with the windshield, meaning substantial force likely traveled through the neck. That kind of force is a strong red flag for cervical spine injury and prompts you to treat the spine with caution from the start. Facial lacerations can happen for many reasons and don’t specifically point to neck or spinal injury. Loss of consciousness can result from head trauma or shock, not necessarily the spine. Neck stiffness can indicate a neck injury, but it isn’t as immediate or as specific a cue as visible windshield damage, and stiffness might not be assessable right away in the field.

In crash assessments, the mechanism and visible signs of the impact guide how likely a cervical spine injury is. Spider-webbing on the windshield shows the occupant endured a high-energy deceleration and direct contact with the windshield, meaning substantial force likely traveled through the neck. That kind of force is a strong red flag for cervical spine injury and prompts you to treat the spine with caution from the start.

Facial lacerations can happen for many reasons and don’t specifically point to neck or spinal injury. Loss of consciousness can result from head trauma or shock, not necessarily the spine. Neck stiffness can indicate a neck injury, but it isn’t as immediate or as specific a cue as visible windshield damage, and stiffness might not be assessable right away in the field.

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