Cervical Collar Flashcards
PPE
Don appropriate PPE and
undertake appropriate hand
hygiene
Indications
to minimise movement of the
cervical spine as part of spinal
immobilisation
Contraindications
when the patient has abnormal
spinal anatomy
application is likely to cause
distress that could result in
increased cervical movement.
Cautions
raised intracranial pressures
airway patency
vomiting
Prepare equipment
Ensure all the parts are present
and functioning.
Prepare patient
If the patient is conscious, explain
the procedure and obtain consent
if appropriate.
Reassure the patient and advise
them to hold their head
motionless.
Remove any jewellery items that
might interfere. Where possible,
remove or cut away clothing.
Head positioning
Return patient’s head to neutral
anatomical position, provided
there is no pain or resistance.
Use padding behind head if needed
MILS
second person provides stabilisation using their hands
Encourage patient not to move
Sizing collar
Measure the
distance with your fingers between
an imaginary line drawn
below the patient’s chin and
another immediately on top of the
patient’s shoulder
Compare the distance measured
with your fingers with the space on
the collar
Changing Size
To change the size, disengage the
locking pins by pulling them up
Adjust the collar to the appropriate
size so that the size between the
sizing line and the collar body
equals your finger measurements.
Engage the locking pins by pushing
them in.
Prepare collar
Ensure the chin piece has been
flipped over from its storage
position.
Offer the front of the collar to the
patients chin to see if the size is
correct.
Roll the collar up to pre
-form it
prior to application.
Posterior
neck
Slide the back of the collar beneath
the posterior neck until it clears
the other side again, being careful
to avoid catching on patient’s hair
or causing neck movement.
Anterior
neck
Position the chin piece under the chin
While keeping the front of the
collar in the correct position with
one hand, with the other pull the
Velcro® end around fully and
attach to collar side ensuring a
secure fit.
Maintain MILS until the patient’s
neck is fully immobilised.
Reassess
Inspect collar for tightness,
symmetry, clearance from ears,
patient discomfort, position of chin
piece and contact with sternum.
Adjust as necessary.
Report
Accurately document/hand over
any relevant information including
the suspicion of cervical injury and
the time of application.