Chapter 257: Head Trauma
Chapter 258: Spine Trauma
Limit cervical spine motion until injury is ruled out clinically or radiographically.
- Logroll to the supine position
- Usually onto a rigid longboard
- Airway access
- The face shield and mouthguard are removed to allow access to the airway
- Spinal stabilization
- A rigid cervical collar is typically applied.
- If the uniform or equipment (eg, helmet, shoulder pads) cannot be removed to allow cervical collar application without significant risk of spinal manipulation, stabilization can be achieved through other means (eg, towel rolls, foam head blocks)
- Screen for cervical spine injury
- High risk of CS injury -> require CS imaging
- Low risk of CS injury -> NEXUS low-risk criteria
- CT scan is preferred (~98% vs ~52% sensitivity compared to plane radiography)