According to the spinal motion restriction criteria, adult falls from greater than how many feet are a positive indication?

• A. 5 feet
• B. 20 feet
• C. 15 feet
• D. 25 feet

Answer: (B)

High-energy trauma from a fall increases the risk of spine injury, so EMS guidelines set a height threshold to prompt spinal motion restriction. For adults, a fall from greater than 20 feet is the positive indication that triggers immobilization. This cutoff is used because falls from this height are likely to injure the spine even if there are no obvious symptoms right away. Falls from shorter heights generally don’t automatically require immobilization unless other signs are present, while a fall from 25 feet would also meet the threshold because it’s above 20 feet. So the crucial number guiding the decision is 20 feet.