Final answer:
The SMR standard requires that paramedics immobilize patients with suspected spinal injuries from blunt trauma and transport them for assessment by a physician. Paramedics are typically not allowed to 'clear the spine' on the scene.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the spinal motion restriction (SMR) standard, 'clearing the spine' for blunt trauma patients is not a decision typically made by paramedics on the scene. The SMR standard generally requires that patients with suspected spinal injuries due to blunt trauma be immobilized and transported to a medical facility where a physician can perform an in-depth evaluation and imaging, as needed, to appropriately assess the spinal integrity. Therefore, the correct answer is: No, unless cleared by a physician.
In the context of a motorcycle accident, for example, potential spinal cord injuries such as a hemisection or a complete severing leading to paraplegia necessitate careful SMR to prevent further injury. With hemisection resulting in hemiplegia—paralysis on one side of the body—prompt and proper immobilization is critical. The intricacies of sensory and motor control losses underscore the importance of appropriate SMR and definitive assessment by a medical professional.