Spinal Immobilization: Supine Patient

Summary

This video demonstrates the proper procedure for spinal immobilization of a supine patient. It covers key steps such as setting up equipment, maintaining inline stabilization, checking pulses, and applying a cervical collar. The video guides through the process of rolling the patient onto the board, adjusting the patient's position, securing them with straps, and ensuring head stabilization. It emphasizes safety and precision throughout, ensuring the patient’s comfort while safeguarding against further injury. The video concludes with a final check of the patient’s pulse and confirmation that they are properly secured and immobilized for transport.

Takeaways

• 😀 Safety precautions are emphasized at the start, including ensuring the patient is stabilized before beginning spinal immobilization.
• 😀 The first step in the process involves confirming the patient's name and ensuring their PMS (Pulse, Motor, Sensory) function is intact in the upper extremities.
• 😀 Checking the lower extremities for PMS function is essential, including posterior tibial pulse and checking for motor response.
• 😀 A cervical collar is applied by measuring from the trapezius to the chin, ensuring it fits correctly without causing discomfort.
• 😀 A partner is tasked with maintaining inline stabilization while the other prepares to roll the patient onto the backboard.
• 😀 The patient is carefully rolled to place the backboard underneath them, ensuring the board is aligned properly and tucked under the patient’s body.
• 😀 The patient’s position is adjusted so the ears align with the top of the backboard, and their body is properly aligned with the board.
• 😀 Straps are checked for tightness and security, ensuring they are not too tight but still secure enough to prevent movement.
• 😀 The patient’s head is then secured to the backboard using a head restraint system (chalk box and tape) to prevent further injury.
• 😀 A final PMS check is performed on both upper and lower extremities to confirm the patient can feel and respond appropriately before transport.

Q & A

What is the initial step in the spinal immobilization of a supine patient?

The initial step is to set up the equipment as desired, including placing the board in line with the patient and positioning the blanket in line with the patient's lower back. Equipment for head stabilization should be placed within reach.

What role does inline stabilization play during spinal immobilization?

Inline stabilization is crucial for maintaining the patient's head and neck alignment throughout the procedure. The partner is responsible for holding the patient's head in place to prevent any movement.

How is PMS (pulse, motor, sensation) checked in the upper extremities?

To check PMS, the examiner feels for bilateral pulses, asks the patient to spread their fingers and resist, and then tests for sensation by asking the patient to identify which finger is being touched.

What is the purpose of measuring for a cervical collar?

The cervical collar is measured from the patient's trapezius to the line of the chin to ensure proper fit, and is placed to provide support to the patient's neck and prevent further injury.

What happens during the patient roll to position them on the board?

The patient is rolled towards the team to allow the board to be slid under them. One team member lifts the board at a 45-degree angle while another stabilizes the patient's head and shoulders.

How do you ensure proper alignment during the transfer of the patient onto the board?

The team must keep the patient in line during the roll and reposition the patient carefully to ensure that their body stays aligned, with specific attention paid to the head and neck.

What is the purpose of strapping the patient to the board?

The patient is strapped to the board to secure them in place and prevent any movement that could potentially worsen their spinal injury. The straps must be tight but not restrictive to ensure comfort and proper breathing.

What is the technique for securing the patient's head to the board?

The patient's head is secured by using a chin strap and additional tape or stabilization devices. The head should be positioned and held firmly to prevent movement, with extra attention to protecting the patient's eyebrows and eyelashes from tape.

Why is it important to check the patient's PMS after securing them to the board?

It is essential to recheck the patient's PMS to confirm that their pulse, motor functions, and sensation are still intact in all four extremities. This ensures that no further injury has occurred during the immobilization process.

What is the final step in the spinal immobilization procedure?

The final step is to recheck the patient's PMS, ensure that all straps are secure, and prepare the patient for transport, while continuously monitoring their condition during the transfer.