C-Spine immobilization with C-Collars is a waste of time, harmful and expensive…

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  • Myth: Additional movement of the spine in a patient with a spinal injury would actually worsen the condition or result in a secondary injury. There are really no data to support this.
  • The natural responses of the body to a serious injury actually provide somewhat of a de facto splint. With C-spine injuries, the muscles of the neck contract and that, along with pain, limits additional severe motion (at least in a conscious patient)
  • There’s absolutely NO EVIDENCE the C-spine can be immobilized to any significant degree.
  • C-collars interfere with airway management
  • C-collars cause pressure sores

EMKF

Emergency Medicine Kenya Foundation (EMKF) is a not-for-profit (NGO) public benefit organisation registered in Kenya