In the event of a spinal injury, which position should a lifeguard ideally keep the patient in?

In the event of a spinal injury, the ideal position for a patient is the supine position. Keeping the injured person supine—lying flat on their back—helps immobilize the spine and prevents any further movement that could exacerbate the injury. This position is crucial in reducing the risk of additional damage to the spinal cord and surrounding tissues, which could lead to severe complications, including paralysis.

Maintaining spinal alignment while the person is in a supine position is vital. It allows for managing their airway effectively and provides the best opportunity for rescuers to perform necessary medical interventions while limiting movement of the spine.

In contrast, other positions, such as prone (lying on the stomach) or sitting upright, could potentially increase the risk of instability in the spine and may interfere with breathing, circulation, and management of the airway. Keeping a person face down in water poses a significant risk of drowning and further complications associated with their injury. Therefore, the supine position is the safest approach until emergency medical services can take over.