Just a note from the user point of view. I was recently on one of these with 2 unstable spine fractures. Apart from a pain in the occiput where an edge rubbed it was not that uncomfortable. I was on one for quite a while and a mattress was better but there did not seem to be any significant discomfort.
Best wishes
JP
>>> "ashes.mukherjee" <[log in to unmask]> 04/27/01 10:35am >>>
The patient should ideally be off he spinal board at the end of the primary
suvey. It plays a role in transporting the patient and is obviously
detrimental for a pt. with spinal injury. We try to get the patient of a
spinal board before the paramedics leave.
Ash
----- Original Message -----
From: <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2001 8:30 PM
Subject: Spinal Boards
> We're trying to get a departmental policy on the appropriate removal of
spinal boards. Articles like Vickery's in January's EMJ, and ATLS among
other sources all support removal asap, whereas observed practice,
especially of orthopods, often seems to be 'leave them on until we've
completely cleared the spine' - ie, at least until CT and usually longer (as
they then remember it's rather tricky to 'clear' the spine when the
patient's unconscious).
> Does anyone on the list have any good evidence to encourage early removal
of long boards, or should I just put up with it?
> Cheers!
> Giles Cattermole, SpR.
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