Protocol: Cervical Spine Immobilization

Original Effective Date: 01/01/2001 | Revised Date: 01/01/2002

BLS PROTOCOL

INTRODUCTION

Spinal immobilization is indicated in all patients in whom their mechanism of injury could reasonably be expected to result in unstable injury to the spine.

PROCEDURE:

  1. The following are acceptable immobilization techniques in this system:

    1. KED or similar device.
    2. Rigid extrication collar.
    3. Manual Stabilization (temporary for initial rapid transportation purposes).
    4. For transport stabilization the head should never be secured to a backboard withou securing the body to the board first.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/NOTES/PRECAUTIONS

  1. Patients who meet ALL of the following criteria do not require cervical spine immobilization:
    1. No present or recent alteration in mental status or LOC.
    2. Alert, coherent, and oriented, and without evidence of impairment by drugs or alcohol.
    3. Low risk, mechanism of injury.
    4. No neck or back pain.
    5. No neck or back tenderness.
    6. No tingling or numbness anywhere.
    7. No other symptoms or findings suggesting spinal cord injury.

  2. Do Not remove the immobilization of a patient previously secured by another service unless the patient will be harmed or placed at risk by the immobilization performed.

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