When is it indicated to transport a patient with a suspected spinal injury?

Transporting a patient with a suspected spinal injury is indicated particularly when there are neurological signs or symptoms or a mechanism of injury that suggests potential spine damage. This is critical because spinal injuries can lead to serious complications, including paralysis or other neurological deficits.

When a person has a mechanism of injury—such as a high-impact collision, falls from a significant height, or severe sports injuries—there’s a high likelihood that the spine could be compromised. Additionally, if the patient demonstrates neurological signs or symptoms, such as weakness, numbness, or loss of sensation in their limbs, this further reinforces the need for immediate medical transport and assessment to prevent exacerbate any possible injuries.

In scenarios where a patient has only minor complaints or appears to be fine (such as being able to move all extremities), it may lead to assuming that there’s no serious spinal injury, which could be a dangerous oversight. Thus, the decision to transport should always prioritize the presence of neurological symptoms or a concerning mechanism of injury.