In vehicle rescue, what is the primary purpose of using a long spine board?

The primary purpose of using a long spine board in vehicle rescue is to immobilize injured individuals. This is critical during extrication and transport as it helps to prevent further injury, particularly to the spine and other potential fractures. In situations where a victim may have sustained spinal injuries, moving them without adequate immobilization can exacerbate their condition. The long spine board is designed to secure the person in a flat, stabilized position, ensuring that any movements are minimized as they are transferred from the vehicle to a safe location for further treatment.

While transporting victims quickly, keeping them warm, and providing a surface for treatment are important considerations in emergency response, they are secondary to the priority of immobilization in the context of vehicle rescue. The immediate goal is to stabilize the victim's condition to avoid any additional harm during the complicated extraction process.