b. Apply Cervical Collar. A cervical collar is a rigid device that, when properly
placed around the casualty's neck, prevents the casualty from bending his neck. It
also provides support to the jaw, thus helping to immobilize the casualty's head. If a
cervical collar is available, have your assistant apply the collar to the casualty's neck.
If a cervical collar is not available, improvise a collar from a SAM splint or from
material such as a folded towel, T-shirt, or field jacket. The following procedures can
be used to improvise a cervical collar from a towel or other materials at hand.
NOTE:
Prior to applying the cervical collar you should assess the casualty's neck for
step off's, jugular vein distention, and tracheal deviation.
(1)
Fold the material so it can be slipped under the casualty's neck.
(2)
Slide one end of the folded material under the casualty's neck.
(3)
Wrap the material around the casualty's neck without moving his head or
neck.
(4)
Fasten the material in place using pins, tape, or a cravat.
(5) Check the collar for tightness. It should support the neck without
interfering with the casualty's breathing.
c. Place Casualty on Long Spine Board. Place and secure the casualty to a
long spine board using the procedures given in paragraph 2-6 or paragraph 2-7.
2-6.
IMMOBILIZING A CASUALTY USING A LONG SPINE BOARD AND LOG
ROLL
The log roll technique is the preferred method of placing a casualty with a spinal
injury onto a long spine board. The technique requires four people (yourself and three
assistants). You should maintain manual traction of the casualty's head while
supervising your assistants.
a. Position Long Spine Board. Have an assistant obtain a long spine board
and place it next to and parallel with the casualty.
b. Secure Wrists. If the casualty is unconscious, have an assistant place the
casualty's wrists together at his waist and tie them together loosely without
compromising circulation. A cravat is normally used to secure the wrists. Securing the
casualty's wrists will make it easier to position him on the long spine board and will keep
his arms from moving off the spine board.
MD0533
2-9