What is an essential tool to use during a spinal injury assessment?

In the context of assessing a spinal injury, a cervical collar is an essential tool because it is specifically designed to stabilize the neck and limit movement of the cervical spine. This is crucial in preventing further injury to the spinal cord, as improper movement can exacerbate conditions like fractures or dislocations. When responding to a potential spinal injury, applying a cervical collar is a priority, as it helps maintain alignment and supports proper immobilization while you assess the injury further or prepare for transport.

Acalipers, while they may be useful in other medical assessments, do not play a direct role in spinal injury evaluation. Similarly, a stethoscope is primarily used for auscultation of heart and lung sounds and is not specifically beneficial for spinal assessments. A thermometer assesses body temperature, which is not pertinent to spinal injury evaluations. The cervical collar stands out as the critical tool that addresses the immediate safety and care needs of someone with a suspected spinal injury.