In a crash with a patient entangled in a vehicle, what is your first action after gaining access?

In a scenario where a patient is entangled in a vehicle following a crash, the initial focus must be on ensuring the safety and stabilization of the patient to prevent further injury, particularly to the cervical spine. Stabilizing the cervical spine is crucial because if the patient has sustained a spinal injury, any unnecessary movement could exacerbate their condition, potentially leading to paralysis or other severe complications.

By prioritizing the stabilization of the cervical spine, you provide support that helps minimize movement of the head and neck while assessing the patient's overall condition. This measure is critical, especially in traumatic events like vehicle crashes where spinal injuries are common. Once the spine is stabilized, attention can then safely shift to extrication and providing necessary medical care, such as administering oxygen or assessing responsiveness.

This order of operations aligns with established protocols in emergency medical services, emphasizing patient safety and the prevention of additional harm in traumatic situations.