CentralCalEMT
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Where I work, the CCEMSA region in Central California, who actually has had a relatively progressive selective spinal immobilization protocol for years even though they area in CA has further changed their trauma protocol. As of January 1, all rigid C collars are being taken off the ambulances and are no longer to be used. I know the trend is thankfully moving away from placing everyone in spinal precautions, but has anyone's agencies out there done away with rigid collars entirely?
Spinal precautions are only to be taken in patients with actual deficits, are unconscious, or have major multi system trauma and even then, we will be using soft collars rather than the hard plastic ones and KEDs are preferred over backboards. Even patients with generalized back and neck pain will not be boarded and collared any more but rather gently moved to the gurney, placed supine and their head and neck supported while we are doing this! I for one am excited that California EMS seems to be moving in the right direction.
If anyone out there works for a system that did away with rigid collars, I was just wondering how you liked it? Also, especially in systems with volunteer first responders with minimal training, how well it has worked out with the first responders who have had C-Spine drilled into their minds for years. Did you find that it was hard to break some of them of their habits or was it well received across the board.
Spinal precautions are only to be taken in patients with actual deficits, are unconscious, or have major multi system trauma and even then, we will be using soft collars rather than the hard plastic ones and KEDs are preferred over backboards. Even patients with generalized back and neck pain will not be boarded and collared any more but rather gently moved to the gurney, placed supine and their head and neck supported while we are doing this! I for one am excited that California EMS seems to be moving in the right direction.
If anyone out there works for a system that did away with rigid collars, I was just wondering how you liked it? Also, especially in systems with volunteer first responders with minimal training, how well it has worked out with the first responders who have had C-Spine drilled into their minds for years. Did you find that it was hard to break some of them of their habits or was it well received across the board.