- The Backboard should not be used as a therapeutic intervention. Achieving full spinal immobilization is not possible and its use has been shown to cause patient harm and no benefit. Instead, spinal motion restriction should be practiced.
- Backboard use has been shown to cause increased pressure ulcers, decreased respiratory function, increased back pain, and result in a false-positive midline vertebral tenderness. This can result in unnecessary testing, radiation exposure and medical costs.
- Penetrating trauma alone does not increase the risk of cervical spine injury and these patients should never be immobilized.
- Attempting spinal motion restriction should not delay life-saving interventions or delay transport to definitive care.
- Remove backboards in the emergency department to avoid complications of prolonged, unnecessary immobilization.
