When treating serious head injuries, it is important to

• A. Stand them up to assess balance
• B. Keep the victim lying down and the airway open
• C. Turn the head to the side immediately
• D. Offer food and water to calm them

Answer: (B)

When someone has a serious head injury, the priority is to keep the airway open and prevent any further damage to the neck or spine. Keeping them lying flat helps maintain an open airway and reduces the risk of twisting the neck, which could worsen spinal injury. If you’re trained, gently support the head and neck to keep them aligned and check for breathing while calling for emergency help. Standing them up to assess balance or turning the head to the side can move and hurt the neck and may compromise the airway. Offering food or water isn’t appropriate because the person may be unconscious or nauseated and could choke or aspirate. In short, preserve the airway, minimize movement of the head and neck, and seek urgent medical care.