What should you apply to an unrestrained patient in a car before removing him?

When dealing with an unrestrained patient in a vehicle, ensuring proper spinal stability is a critical concern due to the risk of potential spinal injuries that can occur from sudden movements or impacts. Applying a cervical collar and vest-style immobilization is essential for stabilizing the patient's neck and spine while preparing for extrication. This setup helps to prevent any further injury during the removal process, especially if the patient has sustained a traumatic injury.

The cervical collar provides support to keep the head and neck aligned, reducing the risk of exacerbating any damage that may have occurred, while the vest-style immobilization system secures the torso, maintaining alignment and stability. This approach prioritizes the patient's safety and protects against secondary injuries during transport.

In comparison, other options such as applying a tourniquet focus primarily on managing bleeding, which may not be the immediate priority if the patient has not visibly sustained significant blood loss. Oxygen supply is important for patients who are in respiratory distress, but it does not address the critical issue of potential spinal injuries. A blanket for warmth is supportive for comfort but does not impact the mechanism of securing the patient during removal. Thus, the cervical collar and vest-style immobilization are vital for ensuring patient safety before moving them from the vehicle.