If a trauma
patient is unable to communicate or appropriately respond to the above questions, perform a complete spinal immobilization.
ALERT
ENDORSED BY EMS MEDICAL ADVISORY BOARD 4/05/2006
SOUTHERN
NEVADA HEALTH DISTRICT
ALS:
1.Assess patient for the presence of the following (ANY
positives REQUIRE
spinal immobilization):
a. Evidence of blunt trauma and meets
Trauma Field Triage criteria;
b. Numbness or weakness
on neurological exam;
c. Any alteration in
mental status;
d. Any evidence of drug
and/or alcohol intoxication;
e. Any painful injury
that might distract the patient from the pain of a C-spine injury;
f. Any point tenderness
on palpation of the spine;
g.Any pain or numbness with cervical spine
range of motion.
2.If a through g, above, are ALL NEGATIVE, spinal immobilization is not required.
3. The above steps in the evaluation to determine the necessity of spinal
immobilization shall be done in the order listed.
Spinal
Immobilization