Week 5- SMR & Immobilization

Question 1

Why do we immobilize patients?

Answer 1

• spine immobilization prevents secondary spinal cord injury during extrication, transport, and evaluation of trauma patients by minimizing movement

Question 2

What does Atlas & Axis do together?

Answer 2

• They support the skull, facilitate neck movement, and protect the spinal cord

Question 3

What two nerves are involved in respiration?

Answer 3

• Phrenic and Vagus nerve

Question 4

Phrenic Nerve

Answer 4

• Controls the diaphragm, pulls the lungs down to draw air in the body. The phrenic nerve exits the spinal cord C3-C5

Question 5

Vagus Nerve

Answer 5

• Controls the parasympathetic nervous system

Question 6

What equipment options are available for SMR?

Answer 6

• Cervical collar
• Break-away stretcher “scoop”
• Spinal board- quick connect
• Extrication device “KED”

Question 7

According to MOH the cervical collar must…

Answer 7

• be x-ray translucent
• have an opening in front to view the anterior neck, allowing for palpation and observation assessments
• Medics must a have a variety of sizes
• Have a method allowing medics to measure to fit the patient
• Have sufficient padding for comfort and support to prevent further injury

Question 8

Fracture Board

Answer 8

• Is used in conjunction with a C-collar
• Used to stabilize the torso/ pelvis & legs
• One size, easy to wash has a quick connect points for straps
• Each pin must be able to hold 300 lbs
• Primary use is for “extrication” of pt. to stretcher
• Goal is to remove pt from the board as soon as possible

Question 9

How do you get a pt on a # board?

Answer 9

• Log roll if on the ground
• Rapid ex out of vehicle

Question 10

Why do we do rapid ex?

Answer 10

• Load and go pt’s
• Scene safety
• Multiple pt’s

Question 11

KED- Extrication Device

Answer 11

• Wrap around design
• Built in handles for moving/ lifting pt’s
• Color coded strapping to match buckles
• Great for tough extrications- MVC/ confined spaces
• Easy to wash
• Good choice for pt’s who may be unable to lie flat- i.e. asthma/ dyspnea/ kyphosis

Question 12

When should we use a fracture board?

Answer 12

• Pelvis, torso, legs stabilization
• Rapid ex
• Immobilized pt’s
• Multisystem trauma
• Vomiting pt’s

Question 13

When do we use a KED?

Answer 13

• Underlying back conditions
• Conscious/ stable
• Multiple people in vehicle
• Tough situations
• Not load and go

Question 14

When do we use a scoop?

Answer 14

• Pelvis #
• SMR
• MST on ground
• No need to log roll pt

Question 15

Why do we need to remove a helmet?

Answer 15

• To assess ABC’s, airway management
• To assess head
• Properly stabilize head and neck, secure c-spine
• Apply a collar