SPINAL IMMOBILIZATION SKILLS -- SEATED PATIENT
This station is designed to test your ability to provide spinal immobilization on a patient using a half spine immobilization device. You arrive on the scene with an EMT assistant. The assistant EMT has completed the scene size-up, initial and focused assessments. As you begin the station, there are no airway, breathing, or circulatory problems. You are required to treat the specific, isolated problem of an unstable spine using a half spine immobilization device. Continued assessment of airway, breathing, and central circulation is not necessary. You are responsible for the direction and subsequent actions of the EMT assistant.
Transferring the patient to the long spine board should be accomplished verbally. You may use any equipment available in this room. You have (10) ten minutes to complete this procedure. Do you have any questions?
Takes or verbalizes body substance isolation precautions
Directs assistant to place/maintain head in neutral in-line position
Directs assistant to maintain manual immobilization of the head
Reassesses motor, sensory, and distal circulation in extremities
Applies appropriate size extrication collar
Positions the immobilization device behind the patient
Secures the device to the patient's torso
Evaluates torso fixation and adjusts as necessary
Evaluates and pads behind the patient's head as necessary
Secures the patient's head to the device
Verbalizes moving the patient to a long board
Reassesses motor, sensory, and distal circulation in extremities
CRITICAL CRITERIA
Did not immediately direct or take manual immobilization of the head
Releases or orders release of manual immobilization before it was maintained
mechanically
Patient manipulated or moved excessively, causing potential spinal compromise
Device moves excessively up, down, left, or right on patient's torso.
Head immobilization allows for excessive movement
Torso fixation inhibits chest rise, resulting in respiratory compromise
Upon completion of immobilization, head is not in the neutral position
Did not reassess motor, sensory, and distal circulation after voicing immobilization
to the long board
Immobilized head to the board before securing the torso