How should victims be protected from further injury during a rescue?

To safeguard victims from further injury during a rescue, managing their movements and using protective equipment is essential. Victims may have sustained injuries that are not immediately apparent, and any unnecessary movement can exacerbate these injuries, particularly spinal or neck injuries. By taking a cautious approach to movement, rescuers can minimize the risk of causing additional harm.

In addition, using protective equipment such as stabilization devices, cervical collars, or backboards can provide necessary support and protect the victim during the extraction process. This method ensures that the victim remains as stable as possible while being safely removed from the vehicle or rescue scene.

While encouraging victims to move on their own could lead to further injury, quickly removing them from the vehicle without proper stabilization risks exacerbating existing injuries. Continuous monitoring of vital signs is important but does not directly address the immediate need for physical protection during the rescue procedure. Thus, managing movements and using protective equipment offers the best approach in ensuring the victim's safety throughout the rescue process.