A for airway, the patient's airway is cleared if necessary. B for breathing, if the patients is not breathing, artificial respiration is begun. C for circulation, this refers to both hemorrhage and shock. Severe hemorrhage is controlled and intravenous fluids are given as necessary. All these treatments are carried out while keeping the possibility of an unstable spine in mind.
Immobilization is performed as soon as possible.
This consists of a cervical collar and a back board. The patient is transported to the emergency room as soon as possible. If there is evidence of spinal cord injury, high-dose steroid treatment is usually begun. This should be started within the first eight hours after injury to have effect. Specific neurosurgical treatment depends on the type and degree of injury.