A high school football player was hit from behind and is complaining of severe back pain and numbness to his right leg. Manual in-line spinal stabilization is being maintained by an assistant coach. Once at the patient's side, what should you do next?

A) Disconnect the face mask from the helmet.
B) Carefully remove the helmet.
C) Apply a cervical spine immobilization collar.
D) Assess the airway and breathing.

D