What should be avoided to prevent worsening a potential spine injury during a rescue?

The appropriate action to avoid worsening a potential spine injury during a rescue is to refrain from touching or repositioning the head. When a spinal injury is suspected, the spinal cord may already be at risk due to potential trauma. Any movement of the head or neck can exacerbate the injury and lead to severe complications, including permanent paralysis. Keeping the head and neck stable is critical to preventing further damage.

In rescue situations, the priority is to maintain the victim's spinal alignment while providing care, which often involves not moving the head and neck at all. This principle is vital because it helps stabilize the injured area, reducing the likelihood of exacerbating an existing injury. The focus should be on ensuring that the individual remains as motionless as possible until professional medical assistance can take over.

In contrast, quickly moving the individual could lead to further displacement of spinal vertebrae. Using an untrained assistant may contribute to additional unnecessary movements or actions that could worsen a spinal injury. Administering CPR aggressively might also result in unintended movements of the torso and head, posing risks if there is a spinal concern. Therefore, the most critical aspect is avoiding any action that involves movement or manipulation of the head and neck to protect the spine effectively.