[ES-ALS-Providers] SPINAL IMMOBILIZATION/RESTRICTION

[Mark Spillane]

 Bryan,

I have been evolved in EMS for 22 years now and have worked with about 9 different Rescue Squads/Fire Depts. I have used just about every system made. To answer some of your questions, if I had to make a choice I would choose the "quick clips" with seat belt type closures. They would secure the best as described in your worse case scenario. I have never heard of a certification class for these but good local training should be fine to get used to them. They attach quicker than the "spider straps" and in my opinion adjust to a tighter fit. The down side to these straps are they can easily be lost and don't clean very well if contaminated. They make a lot of noise in a washing machine where the spider straps clean easier and are a little harder to loose them unless you loose the whole thing. The quick clip straps are generally longer which helps with our large patients where spider straps don't reach. The quick clips work better with pediatric patients on a long board than spider straps do. When I started EMS in 1985 we used cravats. They are inexpensive but you really can't get them tight enough to adequately immobilize your patient. Tape works great but looks a little primitive when you bring your patient in the ER all covered with tape. A down side to using quick clips is that your boards will need to be fitted with the pins for the clips. When you do this to a back board you make it almost unusable with spider straps. When working a multi patient, multi agency MVA you would have to ensure your back boards are used with your quick clips. 

Those are my thoughts. Hope they help.

Mark Spillane
EMT-I
Parksley VFC (765)
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Bryan Rush 
  To: es-bls-providers at vaems.org ; es-als-providers at vaems.org 
  Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2007 11:22 AM
  Subject: [ES-ALS-Providers] SPINAL IMMOBILIZATION/RESTRICTION


  BLS and ALS Providers,

   

  I am researching a training and appropriation request with re-guards to the “speed clip straps” used on backboards. 

   

  Here are some topics for thought:

   

              1. Have you used the “speed clips”?

                          a. Training/Certification Classes?

                          b. In the field?

   

              2. Compared to other securing devices (Velcro, cravats, tape, chain, glue, etc.) do these devices provide?

                          a. Ease of use?

                          b. Proper immobilization/restriction (patient is secure in all board positions)?

                          c. Easy to clean and maintain?

   

  3. If you had a known spinal fracture, which would be debilitating or fatal if you were to move; what strap system would you want used to restrict your movement          on the board?

   

  Please feel free to input any other pertinent information on the topic. Any and all feedback will be greatly appreciated!

   

   

   

  E. Bryan Rush

  EMS Supervisor

  Emergency Services Coordinator

  Town of Chincoteague

  6150 Community Dr.

  Chincoteague, VA 23336

  (757) 336-3138 Sta. 3

  (757) 336-6519 ext. 226 office

  brush at chincoteague-va.gov

   



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