Equipment 8-774 - Splint C-Collar

CMH EMS & MIH Protocols

Scope of Practice:

Emergency Medical Responder
Emergency Medical Technician
Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
Registered Nurse
Paramedic

Indications:

Protocol 2-836 - Spinal Immobilization Clearance.

Contraindications:

Protocol 2-836 - Spinal Immobilization Clearance.

Precautions:

If used, C-collar MUST be properly sized.
Unless it is necessary to change a patient’s position to maintain an open airway or there is some other compelling reason, it is best to splint the neck and back in the original position of the deformity.

Procedure:

Assess distal pulse, motor, and sensation.
Maintain manual stabilization, measure, size, and secure cervical collar.
Reassess distal pulse, motor, and sensation.

Citations:

Protocol 9-010 - References
Bledsoe B. E., 2013.
Boland, Satterlee, & Jansen, 2014.
Citizens Memorial Hospital, 2014.
Foerster, 2013.
Mercy EMS, 2013.
National Association of EMS Physicians and American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, 2013.
Niven & Castle, 2010.
National Athletic Trainers Association, 2015.

Change Log:

Date	Link to previous version	Description of change
09/22/17	pdf	Added comment that alert patients should not have manual cervical stabilization. Added contraindication to c-collar for penetrating neck injuries.
07/04/20		Renumbered the section to allow for future additions.
08/08/20	pdf	Added content (without substantive modification) from old Section 8-350 - Spinal Motion Restriction (SMR).
06/15/21	pdf	Moved to emsprotocols.online

Return to Protocols Table of Contents.

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