Spinal motion restriction may be implemented in which protocol?

• A. Drowning
• B. Heat stroke
• C. Abdominal discomfort
• D. Environmental exposure - heat exhaustion

Answer: (A)

Spinal motion restriction is used whenever there is a risk of spinal injury and movement could worsen it. In submersion and drowning cases, there may be neck or spine trauma from the incident itself or during rescue, so responders often immobilize the spine during extrication and transport to prevent further injury. The other options—heat-related illnesses and abdominal discomfort—do not typically involve suspected spinal injury, so spinal immobilization isn’t a standard part of their management. Therefore, SMR is implemented in the drowning protocol.