Back boarding injures more people than it helps.

[katgrl2003]

We just received new protocols that have us very rarely using a backboard. Only with major trauma and altered mental status will we use it. If a patient is alert and oriented, c-collar only, unless a backboard is deemed necessary by the EMS crew.

 

[mycrofft]

I remember before stiff collars when they were getting rid of cervical collars. Soft collars were worthless. But the antecedent procedure was pull them out of the wreck any way you could

 

[lightsandsirens5]

We just received new protocols that have us very rarely using a backboard. Only with major trauma and altered mental status will we use it. If a patient is alert and oriented, c-collar only, unless a backboard is deemed necessary by the EMS crew.

That is very nice.

 

[EpiEMS]

We just received new protocols that have us very rarely using a backboard. Only with major trauma and altered mental status will we use it. If a patient is alert and oriented, c-collar only, unless a backboard is deemed necessary by the EMS crew.

Any idea which group (say, the medical directors, the service chiefs, the state OEMS, etc.) prompted the change?

 

[Brandon O]

I remember before stiff collars when they were getting rid of cervical collars. Soft collars were worthless. But the antecedent procedure was pull them out of the wreck any way you could

Nobody would ever do that now, of course...

 

[wanderingmedic]

We just received new protocols that have us very rarely using a backboard. Only with major trauma and altered mental status will we use it. If a patient is alert and oriented, c-collar only, unless a backboard is deemed necessary by the EMS crew.

That's a really good idea. Unfortunately most systems are still giving vitamin O to every patient even if they dont need it.