Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

When treating a neck injury, what is the appropriate action?

1. Use a splint

2. Apply an occlusive dressing on one side

3. Apply an occlusive dressing on four sides and consider a cervical collar

4. Manually stabilize the neck position

The correct answer is: Apply an occlusive dressing on four sides and consider a cervical collar

When treating a neck injury, applying an occlusive dressing on four sides and considering a cervical collar is crucial to ensure both airway protection and immobilization of the cervical spine. Neck injuries often carry the risk of spinal cord damage, and immobilization helps prevent further injury during transport. An occlusive dressing is important if there is an open wound to protect it from contamination and reduce the risk of air entering the wound, which could lead to a pneumothorax if there's a penetrating injury. The emphasis on applying the dressing on four sides indicates a comprehensive approach that covers the entire area around the injury, thus providing a barrier while ensuring that any bleeding is controlled and that the area is stabilized. The consideration of a cervical collar is pivotal in maintaining proper neck alignment and stability, preventing any movement that could exacerbate potential spinal cord injury. The other treatment options outlined may not provide the same level of stabilization or completeness. A splint is generally reserved for limb injuries, while applying an occlusive dressing on one side may not adequately protect the injury area, and manually stabilizing the neck position alone does not account for potential bleeding or contamination.