While at a public pool obtaining a refusal from a patient who was stung by a bee, you hear screaming. Patrons are waving you over to a 13-year-old boy who hit the diving board with his head while diving and is now in the water motionless. The lifeguard is in the water and informs you that the patient's eyes are open and he is breathing with a pulse, but not talking. Which one of the following

should you do next?

A) Position the boy upright against the lifeguard with inline spinal precautions observed during removal from the pool.
B) Instruct the lifeguard to carefully float the boy to the side of the pool so you can assess and immobilize him.
C) Have the lifeguard quickly remove the patient from the pool so assessment and emergency medical care can be given.
D) Pass a cervical collar and long board into the water to immobilize the patient prior to extrication from the water.

Answer: D