What should an EMT do if they suspect a spinal injury?

When an EMT suspects a spinal injury, it's crucial to keep the patient immobilized and maintain proper spinal alignment to prevent any further injury to the spinal cord. This action is vital because any movement can exacerbate the injury, potentially leading to severe consequences like paralysis or other neurological damage.

Maintaining spinal alignment helps stabilize the spine and ensures that any possible displacement of vertebrae does not occur, which is especially important when moving the patient. Using proper immobilization techniques, such as securing the patient to a backboard or using cervical collars, assists in achieving this stability.

The other options indicate actions that could compromise the patient's safety. Encouraging limb movement could lead to additional injury, leaving the patient in their current position without proper support might not provide adequate protection, and conducting a full body assessment immediately could result in unnecessary movement that risks further damage to the spine.