If a victim with a back or neck injury must be moved, what is the correct method?

When dealing with a victim who has suffered a back or neck injury, it's crucial to minimize any movement of the spine to prevent further injury. The correct method is to move the victim lengthwise, headfirst, while supporting the head and neck. This technique ensures that the spine remains aligned and stable during the movement, which significantly reduces the risk of exacerbating the injury.

Supporting the head and neck during the move is vital. By keeping the head and neck in a fixed position relative to the rest of the body, the chance of twisting or bending the spine is minimized. This is essential because even slight movements can lead to severe complications, including paralysis.

Other methods, such as moving the victim by the feet or pulling on limbs, could create unwanted torsion or bending of the spine, increasing the likelihood of further injury. Thus, moving the victim headfirst while ensuring stabilization of the head and neck is the safest approach under these circumstances.