Cervical Spine IMMOBILISE

Cervical Spine IMMOBILISE

Patients with suspected or possible cervical spine injury must have their cervical spine properly immobilised until formal assessment occurs.

1.Any trauma patients with : 

• Unconscious
• Complaining of neck pain or tenderness or limitation of movement
• Using hands to support neck
• Has any neurological deficit
• Significant head /facial injuries

2.Any patient with a mechanism which may indicate spinal injuries

• Pedestrian / cyclist hit > 30km/hr.
• Passenger – MVA collision > 60km/hr.
• Fall - more than 3 metres.
• Kicked by, or fall from a horse.
• Backed over by a car.
• Thrown from vehicle.
• Thrown over handlebars of bike.
• Severe electric shock

How to immobilise the cervical spine:

1. Apply manual in line immobilisation 
2. Apply a one piece hard collar: ensure appropriate sizing or check sizing of collar in situ
3. If unable to apply a hard collar, manual in line immobilisation should be maintaine
   eg : 

• Uncooperative patient
• Infant or baby too small for a hard collar
• Child with traumatic torticollis
• Ensure adequate analgesia is provided

Flowchart: Assessment of the Cervical Spine