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a victim has fallen from a ladder. the victim is responsive. your physical examination reveals no signs of spinal injury. therefore, it is safe to let the victim get up.

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Answer: False

Step-by-step explanation: Spinal cord injuries are not always immediately identifiable! Also, remember to consider all risk factors when assessing a potential head/spinal injury victim.

A spinal injury should be suspected if:

- the victim fell from 20 feet high --> (falling from heights is a big risk factor!)

- the victim was in a car that hit a telephone pole

- a piece of heavy equipment fell from a shelf onto the victims head

Falling from a ladder potentially puts the victim in a high risk situation. Suspect a spinal cord injury!

User Michel Vorwieger
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