Which treatment is prioritized for a casualty with a suspected spinal injury?

Prioritizing the immobilization of the spine for a casualty with a suspected spinal injury is crucial to prevent further injury and potential paralysis. When a spine injury is suspected, the priority is to minimize movement that could exacerbate the condition. Proper immobilization can stabilize the spine and reduce the risk of compression or further injury to the spinal cord.

While administering pain relief medications can be important for patient comfort, it does not address the immediate risk of movement associated with a spinal injury. Performing a rapid assessment is also necessary, but it should be done in a manner that does not compromise spinal alignment. Elevating the legs may be useful in some situations to manage shock, but it can lead to movement of the spine and should not take precedence over stabilization efforts in cases of suspected spinal injury. Therefore, immobilizing the spine is the correct first step in the management of such injuries.