After a patient falls 20 feet, they are splinted and a C-collar is applied. What is the next step for treatment?

Transporting the patient to a level 1 trauma center is the most appropriate next step after managing initial stabilization with splinting and a cervical collar. A fall from 20 feet is considered a high mechanism of injury and may result in significant bodily harm, potentially affecting multiple systems.

A level 1 trauma center is equipped to handle severe trauma cases, providing the necessary expertise and resources for comprehensive care, including advanced imaging, surgical interventions, and specialized trauma teams. This is particularly critical because the patient's injuries may not be immediately apparent but can evolve in severity as time progresses.

While monitoring vital signs, administering pain relief, or performing a secondary assessment are important components of patient care, they should not delay transport to a facility that can provide adequate trauma care. Vital signs should be monitored en route, pain management can begin during transport, and a secondary assessment can also occur as part of ongoing care. However, securing rapid transport to a trauma center takes precedence given the potential for serious injuries.