When performing spinal immobilization on a patient with neck or back pain, what is the first step?

The process of spinal immobilization is critical when a patient presents with neck or back pain due to the risk of serious spinal injury. The first step in this procedure involves completing an immobilization package. This action typically means preparing the necessary equipment and resources to ensure that a patient is stabilized effectively to prevent further injury.

In practice, this involves ensuring that the proper tools—such as a cervical collar, backboard, or vacuum splints—are ready for use, and that there's a strategy in place for safely moving and securing the patient. This preparation is crucial because it sets the stage for the subsequent steps in managing the patient’s condition while ensuring both their safety and that of the healthcare providers involved.

While other steps like assessing the airway or checking vital signs are essential components of patient care, they follow the preparation of the immobilization package in scenarios where a spinal injury is suspected. Immediate immobilization is prioritized to prevent potential exacerbation of any spinal injuries during patient transport or movement. Thus, focusing on stabilizing the patient correctly is the foundational step that lays the groundwork for thorough assessment and treatment.