Skills: Spinal Immobilization (Supine Patient)

Question 1

How many steps total?

Answer 1

14

Question 2

How are the steps divided?

Answer 2

-PPE
A. Spine and PMS
B. Getting on
C. Strap (THLA)

Question 3

What are the steps to A. Spine and PMS?

Answer 3

1. Directs assistant to place/maintain head in the neutral, in-line position
2. Directs assistant to maintain manual stabilization of the head
3. Reassesses motor, sensory, and circulatory function in each extremity
4. Applies appropriately sized extrication collar

Question 4

What are the steps to B. Getting on?

Answer 4

5. Positions the immobilization device appropriately
6. Directs movement of the patient onto the device without compromising the integrity of the spine
7. Applies padding to void between the torso and the device as necessary

Question 5

What are the steps to C. Strap (THLA)?

Answer 5

8. Immobilizes the patient’s torso to the device
9. Evaluates and pads behind the patient’s head as necessary
10. Immobilizes the patient’s head to the device
11. Secures the patient’s legs to the device
12. Secures the patient’s arms to the device
13. Reassesses motor, sensory, and circulatory function in each extremity

Question 6

What are important critical failures?

Answer 6

• Failure to immediately direct or take manual stabilization of the head
• Failure to properly apply appropriately sized cervical collar before ordering release of manual stabilization
• Head immobilized to the device BEFORE device sufficiently secured to the torso