Final answer:
Rescuers must not move someone with a suspected spinal injury to avoid the risk of permanent paralysis, call emergency medical services, keep the person still, stabilize the neck, and perform basic first aid without moving the head or neck until professional help arrives.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the National Athletic Trainers' Association's (NATA) position statement on preventing sudden death in sports, if a person's spine is not in neutral alignment and a spinal injury is suspected, rescuers should take specific steps. First, they should not move the injured person, as doing so could cause permanent paralysis or other serious complications. It is crucial to call emergency medical assistance immediately by dialing 911. In the meantime, rescuers should keep the person very still and prevent any movement of the head or neck. This may involve placing heavy towels on both sides of the neck or manually stabilizing the head and neck to prevent motion until emergency care arrives. Furthermore, rescuers can provide basic first aid, like stopping any bleeding, without moving the person's head or neck. These actions are critical in minimizing further injury and preserving the individual's health until professional help can take over.