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

Ward, Richard and Hodgett, Rachel (2020) Are cervical collars effective and safe in prehospital spinal cord injury management? Journal of Paramedic Practice, 12 (2).

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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:	17 Apr 2023 10:00
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/7043

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