Initial position of the injured person
INITIAL POSITION OF THE INJURED PERSON
If possible, do not move the injured person at the scene of the accident.
If the injured person is lying face down and is unconscious or conscious but having difficulty breathing, unable to stop external bleeding, lay them face up so they can be examined and assistance can be provided.
If you suspect a spinal injury and need to turn the injured person onto their back, turn them so that the head, neck, and entire spine are in a straight line. If you are alone, open the injured person, extending one of their arms above the head and turning the whole body so that when turning the person’s head rests on the outstretched arm (Figure 1).
If the injured person is conscious, speaking clearly, and you believe the spine is not injured, allow them to find a comfortable position on their own or help them find one.