Backboards and Packaging

When we respond to a motor vehicle accident, more often then not, we transport the patient to the hospital. If we suspect that the patient has a spinal injury, it is imperative that we do not injure the patient any more than he already is. What we do then is to "package" the patient using a backboard, C-Collar, spider straps, and a head block.

	The patient is placed on the backboard. If the patient requires the KED prior to extrication, it is placed on the patient and left on until the ER physician determines that it is safe for removal.
	A C-Collar is one of the first things placed on a patient involved in a motor vehicle accident. This prevents any lateral motion of the cervical vertebrae, when the patient is placed on the backboard.
	These headblocks further immobilize the head and neck.
	The spider straps secure the patient to the backboard, preventing any shift in movement while the patient is on the backboard.
	After all the equipment is placed on a patient, he is referred as, being "fully packaged." All this equipment is necessary to prevent any further spinal injury that may lead to paralysis.

All of our ambulances carry at least two sets of backboards, headblocks, and spider straps. Our crash truck carries four sets.

Emergency Medical Products Website
http://www.buyemp.com

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