fern
04-20-2000, 07:41 AM
Could anybody please comment on the following technique of extricating a casualty out of the rear seat of a vehicle with suspected spinal injuries:-
The casualty is seated in the rear seat of a vehicle in the neutral position, the roof has been removed and obviously the vehicle fully stabilised. The Casualty is fitted with a cervical collar and manual stabilisation is applied constantly. all commands come from the “headman” he always checks that everybody is ready before any movement takes place and nobody moves the casualty, or the longboard, without his express orders to do so.( pretty standard procedure so far)
The casualty is moved forward slightly to allow the longbboard stretcher to be slid between him and the rear seat.
The casualty is then held under the knees, buttocks & armpits by four persons a fifth person as previously mentioned applying manual c-spine stabilisation and controlling every movement during the entire operation. The casualty is then slowly slid up the spinal board until his hips are in line with the top of the back seat.(the head man is obviously applying no traction only stabilising the head)
Then the board is slowly pivoted into the horizontal position by a further two persons one at the foot of the board and the other at the head. At no stage is the back seat relied on to take the full weight of the board (Before you ask)
Finally with board now in a horizontal position the casualty is slowly slid up the longboard to the headbead and fully strapped to the board and the head secured to the headbead.
I have carried this technique very effectively in training with very favourable comments from both rescuers and simulated casualties alike.
So the technique works very well itself but does the initial controlled lift of approximately 30 inches up the board, even though the casualty is slid up the board slowly, and in a controlled manner, not actually free lifted, put the spine under excess compression or stress ?
I am open to any comments whatsoever thanks for your time.
Steve maddison
nb
The casualty is seated in the rear seat of a vehicle in the neutral position, the roof has been removed and obviously the vehicle fully stabilised. The Casualty is fitted with a cervical collar and manual stabilisation is applied constantly. all commands come from the “headman” he always checks that everybody is ready before any movement takes place and nobody moves the casualty, or the longboard, without his express orders to do so.( pretty standard procedure so far)
The casualty is moved forward slightly to allow the longbboard stretcher to be slid between him and the rear seat.
The casualty is then held under the knees, buttocks & armpits by four persons a fifth person as previously mentioned applying manual c-spine stabilisation and controlling every movement during the entire operation. The casualty is then slowly slid up the spinal board until his hips are in line with the top of the back seat.(the head man is obviously applying no traction only stabilising the head)
Then the board is slowly pivoted into the horizontal position by a further two persons one at the foot of the board and the other at the head. At no stage is the back seat relied on to take the full weight of the board (Before you ask)
Finally with board now in a horizontal position the casualty is slowly slid up the longboard to the headbead and fully strapped to the board and the head secured to the headbead.
I have carried this technique very effectively in training with very favourable comments from both rescuers and simulated casualties alike.
So the technique works very well itself but does the initial controlled lift of approximately 30 inches up the board, even though the casualty is slid up the board slowly, and in a controlled manner, not actually free lifted, put the spine under excess compression or stress ?
I am open to any comments whatsoever thanks for your time.
Steve maddison
nb