Immobilization Devices
To the left is an assortment of splints. These are used when an arm or leg is suspected to have a broken bone or a torn ligament. Any patient complaining of pain to an extremity would warrant the use of a splint.
To the right is a Cervical Collar or as we call it - a C-collar. This is used on every patient in a motor vehicle accident or fall that is suspected of having a neck injury. It is very possible to have broken bones in the neck and not be paralyzed. But continued movement of a broken neck can lead to paralysis. That's where the C-Collar comes into play. This device is used to stabilize the neck and head and prevent any further movement.
To the left is the Kendrick Extrication Device or K.E.D. This is a versatile, improved means of immobilizing and extricating patients from auto accidents and confined spaces. It is most often used on the auto accident patient that has stable vital signs but is suspected of having a neck injury.
The Fernotrac traction splints to the right are designed to be used on patients with suspected long bone fractures of the leg. This would be the bone of the thigh called the femur. These splints provide mechanical traction to relieve pain and reduce the possibliity of further vascular and nerve damage to the leg.
Most trauma patients are immobilized on a Back Board or Long Spine Board. We use a plastic backboard made by Ferno and have also recently purchased an air mattress device called the ETS - Emergency Transport Stablizer that attaches to the board. This makes lying on the board more comfortable for the patient and also reduces the possibility of the patient developing decubitus ulcers.
