EMS Spinal Immobilization Skills review

This tip for EMS students features the proper way of immobilizing patients, identifying the right patients needing immobilization as well as when to immobilize patients. More skills reviews are available in the MedicCast Extra members' area.

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From Episode 179 of the MedicCast Podcast

Tip of the Week– Spinal Immobilization for EMS

Emergency medicine providers are usually faced with situations wherein the victims may have potential or actual injuries to the spine. One thing that paramedics should do in such instances before attempting to transport the patient is to immobilize the spine.

In performing spinal immobilization, the paramedic should pay special attention to the c-spine. If it is not in neutral position, an attempt should be made to achieve proper alignment. If the patient is able to move, they should move their neck into the line. If there is any pain, neurological deterioration or resistance to movement the procedure should be abandoned and the neck splinted in the current position.

There is a criteria set in determining candidates for spinal immobilization. Special cases like pediatric patients, athletes, and motorcycle accidents also call for special considerations or policies in the application of the procedure.

Criteria for Spinal Immobilization