Which method is used primarily for cervical spine immobilization and allows CPR and artificial ventilation, requiring four people?

• A. Scoop Stretcher
• B. Backboard
• C. Log Roll Technique
• D. Neck Collar

Answer: (B)

In trauma care, maintaining cervical spine alignment while keeping the airway accessible is essential. The backboard is the device designed for this purpose: it provides rigid, flat support from head to hips, immobilizing the spine when used with a cervical collar and straps. Because the surface is flat and accessible, you can perform CPR and artificial ventilation with the patient still secured on the board, which is why it’s preferred for spine immobilization during transport. To do this correctly, four rescuers work together to position and secure the patient—one at the head to maintain neck alignment, and three to lift and strap the body onto the board without twisting the spine.

Other options don’t fit as well for this specific role. A neck collar helps limit neck movement but doesn’t immobilize the entire spine. A scoop stretcher is useful for moving a patient with suspected spinal injury, especially to minimize movement during extraction, but it isn’t the primary immobilization device for long transport with airway access. The log roll technique is a method for moving a patient safely—often used in conjunction with immobilization devices—rather than being the immobilization method itself.