When dealing with potential spinal injuries, what is the priority during patient assessment?

The priority during patient assessment when dealing with potential spinal injuries is to assess for airway obstruction. This is because airway management is critical in all trauma scenarios, particularly with patients who might have a spinal injury. A compromised airway can quickly lead to life-threatening situations. In the context of a spinal injury, the mechanism of injury can lead to potential airway obstruction due to loss of protective reflexes or altered levels of consciousness, which is why ensuring the airway is clear is paramount.

While understanding the mechanism of injury, checking for distal circulation and movement, and performing a full trauma assessment are important aspects of a comprehensive trauma assessment, they all come after ensuring that the airway is secure. Failure to maintain an open airway can result in hypoxia and can compromise the patient's overall outcome.