Spinal injury CPG

Question 1

What is the objective of this CPG?

Answer 1

• To identify patients with possible spinal injuries and transfer them to the appropriate facilities.
• To protect and support the integrity of the spinal column where an unstable SCI cannot be ruled out
• To avoid unnecessary immobilisation by excluding patens without spinal chord injury.

Question 2

If a collar isn’t suitable for a patient when may it be removed?

Answer 2

If its not achieving the desired support because of the patients anatomy or agitation

Question 3

What is the best position for spinal immobilisation?

Answer 3

To position the patient supine

Question 4

When is it okay to have a spinal injury patient in an altered position (not supine)?

Answer 4

If it is not possible due to pain, vertebral disease, injuries that prevent this or CFF- then postion paint in position of comfort.