What should be done first for an unconscious accident victim with suspected neck injury?

In the case of an unconscious accident victim with a suspected neck injury, the top priority is to prevent further harm, particularly spinal damage. The correct action is to place a pillow under the victim's head to ensure the neck is properly supported and to prevent any twisting or bending of the spine. This minimizes the risk of exacerbating a potential spinal injury.

Positioning the victim on a pillow helps maintain alignment and stability, which is crucial when there is suspicion of a neck injury. Effective support can also aid in keeping the airway open and assist emergency responders in the event they need to perform further assessment or treatment.

While checking for breathing is indeed essential in an emergency, it should be done with caution. If the person is suspected to have a neck injury, the priority is to stabilize the head and neck first before conducting further assessments. Similarly, loosening clothing around the neck could potentially cause movement that poses risks to the spine, and turning the individual onto their stomach would likely aggravate the situation. Therefore, the best initial response is to secure the head and neck with a pillow.