What should you do if you suspect a spinal injury?

If you suspect a spinal injury, it is crucial to ensure the individual's safety while minimizing the risk of further injury. The correct action is to not move the person unless they are in immediate danger. This approach is essential because movement can potentially exacerbate the injury, leading to increased damage to the spinal cord and surrounding structures, which could result in permanent paralysis or other serious complications.

In cases where the person is in a hazardous environment (like on a road), emergency responders are trained to stabilize the individual before moving them. It is vital to keep them as still as possible and provide reassurance until professional help arrives. The other choices, while well-intentioned, are less appropriate in the presence of a potential spinal injury. Moving the person to a safer location can worsen their condition, and checking their level of consciousness or attempting to reassure them does not address the most critical aspect—preventing movement to avoid further injury.