What should be the first action upon approaching an unresponsive patient who struck his head?

The appropriate first action upon approaching an unresponsive patient who has experienced head trauma is to initiate manual spine motion restriction precautions. This is critical because head trauma often poses a risk of associated spinal injuries, particularly in the cervical spine. By implementing manual spine motion restriction, the EMT can help prevent any potential worsening of a spinal injury while assessing and managing the patient.

In cases of unconsciousness following a head injury, it is paramount to prioritize spinal protection due to the potential for movement to exacerbate any underlying injury. The technique involves carefully stabilizing the head and neck in a neutral position to avoid any further compromise.

Other options, while part of the overall assessment and treatment protocol, do not adequately prioritize spinal protection in this scenario. For instance, checking for a carotid pulse or checking respirations without first ensuring that the spine is immobilized might unintentionally cause further injury. Opening the airway, although critical, also carries a risk of additional movement that could compromise spinal alignment if not done with care. Therefore, initiating manual spine motion restriction is the safest and most appropriate first action in this situation.