Final answer:
When the correct size cervical collar is unavailable, rolled towels should be used to immobilize the patient's head, providing necessary stability and preventing further injury.
Step-by-step explanation:
In situations where the appropriate size cervical collar is not available, the best option is to use rolled towels to immobilize the patient's head. This technique provides the necessary stability to prevent further injury to the cervical spine until the patient can be transported to a medical facility for proper care.
The use of rolled towels is a well-accepted practice in prehospital and emergency care. When applied correctly, they serve as a substitute for commercial cervical collars by restricting the movement of the head and neck. The towels are rolled and placed snugly on either side of the neck, and the head is carefully positioned in a neutral, in-line position. This method is essential for maintaining spinal alignment and minimizing the risk of exacerbating a potential spinal injury.
Asking the patient to keep his or her head in a neutral position or placing sandbags does not provide the required immobilization and could potentially cause harm. Lateral head blocks are an option, but without supplemental support like a cervical collar, their effectiveness can be limited. The goal is to stabilize the patient's head as securely as possible without causing additional harm.