BLET First Responder Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

When assessing someone's airway, it is critical to immobilize the patient's head and spine to prevent any potential injury from being exacerbated, especially in cases where there may be a neck or spinal injury. This is a fundamental principle in emergency care, as movement of a compromised spine could lead to further injury or paralysis.

Immobilizing the head and spine allows for an assessment of the airway while minimizing the risk of causing more harm to the patient. By keeping these areas stable, you can more effectively manage the airway without inadvertently placing additional stress on an injured patient.

Other options center around different aspects of patient care, but they do not directly relate to the key action that protects the integrity of the patient's airway assessment. For instance, avoiding contact with the patient would inhibit necessary assessments, ensuring the area is well-lit is helpful but secondary, and using suction to clear the airway is a procedure that may be necessary after the assessment determines the need for it. However, the primary focus during the initial assessment stage must be on the stability and immobility of the head and spine to ensure the patient's safety and prevent further complications.