A 46 year old female was in a car crash and has an abrasion to the lateral neck. What should you do?

Taking cervical spine (c-spine) precautions is essential in this scenario, especially considering that the patient has been involved in a car crash. Mechanical injuries, such as those sustained in vehicle collisions, can frequently lead to potential neck and spinal cord injuries. Abrasions on the neck may suggest trauma that could compromise the spinal structure.

Implementing c-spine precautions involves stabilizing the head and neck to prevent any further injury while assessing the patient's condition and preparing for transport. This is a critical step to ensure that any potential cervical spine injury does not worsen by moving the patient improperly.

The other options might not be appropriate as immediate actions in this scenario. While opening the airway is crucial in many situations, it typically follows the implementation of c-spine precautions when spinal injuries are a possibility. Rapid extrication may be necessary in certain emergency situations but should only be performed once precautions are in place to protect the spine. An occlusive dressing may be required for other types of injuries, such as an open wound, but does not address the primary concern of maintaining spinal integrity.

Therefore, focusing on c-spine precautions not only aligns with trauma protocols but also ensures the patient's safety during initial management.