What is the purpose of log-rolling a patient during water rescue?

• A. To speed extraction by twisting the patient.
• B. To maintain spinal alignment while turning the patient.
• C. To allow water to fill the back.
• D. To reduce oxygenation.

Answer: (B)

Protecting the spine while moving someone with a potential spinal injury is the key idea. In a water rescue, log-rolling lets you turn the patient as a single unit while keeping the head, neck, and spine in a straight line. A rescuer stabilizes the head and neck, and the others roll the torso and hips together so the spine isn’t bent or twisted. This minimizes the risk of worsening a spinal injury and helps keep the airway accessible during repositioning. Twisting to speed extraction would risk the spine; letting water fill the back isn’t relevant to protecting the spine; and the goal is to preserve, not reduce, oxygenation through careful movement.