Providing care to a patient involved in trauma carries additional areas of concern. Neck and back injuries are common with traumatic accidents and moving a patient can put them at more risk. Most patients can be treated where they are. If the patient is at risk where you find them, a move will be required. When moving a patient, your safety should be your first concern. By being aware of your physical limitations and using good body mechanics, you can significantly reduce your risk of injury during a patient move. Keep your back straight and lift with your legs. Utilize a second rescuer when one is available. Use clear directions to outline lifting and positioning.

If your patient is alert, safe and in a position of comfort, leave them where they are. An unresponsive patient, in which you do not suspect trauma, should be rolled to their side to protect their airway. This is called the recovery position. If your patient is unresponsive and you suspect trauma, keep them in the position in which you found them. Only reposition the patient if you cannot adequately maintain their airway, breathing or circulation. ABC's always take priority over a suspected spinal cord injury. To move a patient from their back to the recovery position, kneel near the patient's left side. Raise the patient's left arm above their head, place your right hand on the patient's right shoulder and your left hand on their right hip. Now roll them toward you. Their head should rest comfortably on their left arm. Pull their right leg forward and lock the foot behind their left knee for stabilization.

Patients who are in pain or having difficulty breathing will assume a position of comfort and should be left in that position. Patients who appear to be in shock should be kept warm with their feet and legs slightly elevated. If you need to leave the patient to summon help, you should leave them in the recovery position to protect their airway. Once you return, assess their ABC's.