What is the treatment for a patient with suspected spinal injury?

The treatment involving immobilization with a cervical collar and backboard is crucial for a patient with a suspected spinal injury because it helps prevent any further damage to the spine during transport. By stabilizing the cervical region with a collar and using a backboard to support the patient's entire back, the risk of exacerbating an existing injury is minimized. Maintaining spinal alignment is paramount in these cases to avoid potential paralysis or other complications that could arise from moving the patient without proper immobilization.

Immediate surgery is typically not the first line of treatment in the pre-hospital setting; it is usually reserved for specific cases diagnosed by medical professionals in a hospital environment. Administering pain medication can be important but does not address the critical need for spinal stabilization. Waking the patient may be necessary for assessment, but it does not consider the risk of movement leading to further injury, which is why immobilization is prioritized first.