During your scene assessment, you identify a mechanism of injury that suggests spine injury. This means you should ________ as soon as you begin your primary assessment.

Identifying a mechanism of injury that suggests a potential spine injury necessitates immediate action to prevent further harm. Taking spinal precautions is crucial because any movement of a person with a suspected spinal injury can exacerbate the injury and lead to serious complications, including paralysis.

Spinal precautions typically involve stabilizing the head and neck to minimize movement and using appropriate equipment, such as a cervical collar and a backboard if available, to ensure the patient is securely immobilized. This proactive approach reduces the risk of additional injury while assessing the patient's condition and providing care.

While other actions such as calling for backup or administering oxygen are important in specific contexts, the priority in this scenario is to protect the spine from movement-related damage. Implementing spinal precautions directly addresses the immediate risk presented by a suspected spine injury, making it the correct and crucial response during the primary assessment.