1.Purpose: To determine which patients may have spinal immobilization safely omitted.
2.Patients for whom immobilization on a backboard is NOT necessary include those with all of the following:
a. Normal level of consciousness
b. No spine tenderness or anatomic abnormality
c. No neurologic findings or complaints
d. No distracting injuries
e. No intoxication
3.Immobilization on a rigid backboard is NOT REQUIRED in the following situations unless spinal injury suspected:
a. Penetrating injuries of head, neck, or trunk
b. Isolated fall from standing position
c. Ambulatory MVA patient
4. ALL TRAUMA PATIENTS SHOULD HAVE A CERVICAL COLLAR APPLIED REGARDLESS OF THE ABSENCE OF NECK PAIN including nursing home falls.
5. Trauma patients with back pain should be transported in a SUPINE position. The head of the EMS stretcher may be inclined 10 - 200 if any of the following are present:
a. Head injury
b. Respiratory compromise
c. Morbid obesity
6. Whether or not a patient is secured on a backboard, spinal PRECAUTIONS should always be observed i.e. limited movement and securing to the EMS stretcher.