What is the first step in dealing with potential spinal injuries in a patient?

The first step in dealing with potential spinal injuries is to immobilize the patient on a spinal board. This is crucial because any movement of a patient with a suspected spinal injury can exacerbate their condition and lead to further injury, including paralysis. The goal is to provide maximum stability and protection to the spinal column while minimizing movement until proper medical care can be administered.

While assessing consciousness levels and administering pain relief may be important, these actions should take place after ensuring the patient's spine is stabilized. Moving a patient to comfort is also not appropriate in the case of a suspected spinal injury, as it can cause harm by increasing the risk of spinal cord damage. The priority in these scenarios is to prevent any potential further trauma while assessing and managing the patient's overall condition.