Manual Stabilisation Essay

Manual stabilisation is the process in which the paramedic uses their hands to keep the patients neck in proper alignment (Johnson et al., 2016). This is useful because it provides proper support without hindering venous return. It is also helpful when assisting patients self-extricate from a vehicle as it does not compromises lower body movements.

Cervical collars are a semi-rigid piece of equipment used to immobilise the neck of a patient with a suspected cervical spine injury. The collar is adjustable and is fitted to the patient by adjusting the locking mechanism on the sides of the collar. Montgomery and Goode (2014) conducted an experiment on cadaveric models to assess whether cervical collars provided sufficient immobilisation. They concluded that

(2014) claim there are numerous side effects of placing a cervical collar. These effects include increasing intracranial pressure by compressing the patients’ venous system. Another effect is the restriction of the jaw, making airway management more difficult.

The log roll is a maneuverer in which a patients’ head is stabilized while being rolled from the supine or prone position to the lateral position (Johnson et al., 2016). The process is then repeated when the opposing direction is required. It requires coordination and a team to perform. The technique is commonly used to position a spinal board underneath the patient.

A spinal board is a hard board that a patient is positioned upon to provide neutral alignment of the spine. Immobilisation of the spine through the use of a spinal board has been the cause for debate recently as research is being conducted that investigates the side effects of their use. Pressure areas are a concern when using spinal boards for a prolonged time (WFA, 2017; Johnson et al., 2016; Purvis, Carlin & Driscoll, 2016). Wellington Free Ambulance (2017) indicates that spinal boards are to be used to extricate or slide the patient and are not used to immobilise the