Cervical Collar

Question 1

PPE

Answer 1

Don appropriate PPE and
undertake appropriate hand
hygiene

Question 2

Indications

Answer 2

to minimise movement of the
cervical spine as part of spinal
immobilisation

Question 3

Contraindications

Answer 3

when the patient has abnormal
spinal anatomy

application is likely to cause
distress that could result in
increased cervical movement.

Question 4

Cautions

Answer 4

raised intracranial pressures
airway patency
vomiting

Question 5

Prepare equipment

Answer 5

Ensure all the parts are present
and functioning.

Question 6

Prepare patient

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

Head positioning

Answer 7

Return patient’s head to neutral
anatomical position, provided
there is no pain or resistance.

Use padding behind head if needed

Question 8

MILS

Answer 8

second person provides stabilisation using their hands
Encourage patient not to move

Question 9

Sizing collar

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Changing Size

Answer 10

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.

Question 11

Prepare collar

Answer 11

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.

Question 12

Posterior
neck

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

Anterior
neck

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

Reassess

Answer 14

Inspect collar for tightness,
symmetry, clearance from ears,
patient discomfort, position of chin
piece and contact with sternum.
Adjust as necessary.

Question 15

Report

Answer 15

Accurately document/hand over
any relevant information including
the suspicion of cervical injury and
the time of application.