Are cervical collars effective and safe in prehospital spinal cord injury management?

Ward, Richard ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8776-0824 and Hodgett, Rachel (2020) Are cervical collars effective and safe in prehospital spinal cord injury management? Journal of Paramedic Practice, 12 (2).

Preview

PDF - Accepted Version Available under License CC BY-NC Download (230kB) | Preview

Abstract

Introduction: The discussion of cervical collars is an area of recent debate in the paramedic profession. Used as a precautionary measure and initially thought of as harmless there is an increasing amount of evidence suggesting otherwise.

Aim: This literature review will aim to comprehensively examine research surrounding the adverse effects of cervical collars and the range of movement they enable.

Methodology: Ebscohost Health Science Research database was searched between June 2017 and July 2017. Search parameters included peer reviewed, full text, English language, publication dates 1997-2017. Seven articles were found and chosen for inclusion in the literature review.

Findings: Two themes were identified in the literature; ‘Adverse Effects’ caused by cervical collars, and ‘Range of movement’.

Conclusion: UK Ambulance Guidelines need to be re-evaluated based upon current literature suggesting cervical collars do not provide any significantly increased additional immobilisation, as well as additional chances for potential adverse effects.

Item Type:	Article
Journal / Publication Title:	Journal of Paramedic Practice
Publisher:	MA Healthcare
ISSN:	2041-9457
Departments:	Institute of Health > Centre for Excellence in Paramedic Practice
Depositing User:	Richard Ward
Date Deposited:	17 Apr 2023 09:49
Last Modified:	13 Jan 2024 10:33
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/7043

Downloads