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Spinal Immobilization

A driver suspected of driving under the influence plowed into Erik Bedwell’s ambulance, sending him, his patient and his future into a tailspin
Implementing a new procedure for clearing C-spines requires supplementary data, buy-in from leadership and hands-on training
ePCR data from more than 1,000 EMS agencies filtered to understand frequency and type of football players injuries
When New Ellenton firefighters found Maria Duthie, she had a faint pulse, was barely breathing and was blue
The Century III Mall in West Mifflin has been the site of recent fires
The organization collaborated with ACS-COT and ACEP to publish “Spinal Motion Restriction in the Trauma Patient – A Joint Position Statement”
Timmy Brodigan has spent over a month in the hospital since the derailment to regain movement in his body after becoming paralyzed
First responders can use their status as respected community figures to reduce the risk for drowning
It’s a growing trend in U.S. pre-hospital emergency care as more studies show that vacuum mattresses work better than backboards
How would you treat a baseball umpire’s significant head laceration as players, fans and television viewers watch your every move?
We asked EMS providers about the presence of ambulances at games, the personnel available and their training to treat sports-related injuries
What level of care is available and are EMS personnel on standby at high school football games in your response area?
EMS providers need to apply best practices for trauma patient triage and consider available products to improve patient survival
Growing evidence appears to support modified spinal immobilization protocols for pediatric trauma patients
Scoop stretchers, soft tarps, KEDs, and vacuum splints may all be useful when moving a patient with modified spinal motion restriction
With studies showing spinal immobilization often does more harm than good, more agencies will adopt policies limiting backboards in 2015
Patients will be placed on a padded stretcher for spinal immobilization; Palm Beach County Fire Rescue is one of the first agencies in the state to make the policy change
The more complex the skill, the more attention it requires; so how do we get work done and still maintain awareness of the whole scene?
One study examined four different extrication methods using multiple cameras and reflective tape along victims’ spines
They immobilize as well as backboards, are more comfortable, and reduce tissue interface pressures
Improving the profession of EMS may seem an impossible dream, but nothing worth achieving is easy
Training paramedics and EMTs on changes to EMS protocols ensures they’re performing to the best of their ability within the parameters of recognized standards
When assessing and treating patients in a cold environment, do these simple things to help prevent heat loss and improve heat retention
Dig deep during the assessment to either rule out or rule in specific traumatic injury or illness
Understanding the spinal cord anatomy and physiology is critical to assessing injury severity and determining the need for spinal motion restriction