Preferred method of head immobilization

[seanm028]

As some of you may know, I am the chief of the brand-spanking-new Student EMS group at Arizona State University. We're set to go in service on February 2nd, and I'm very excited. We've purchased all of our medical supplies except for the backboarding supplies (although we have purchased the backboard itself). Personally, I really like the disposable Velcro spider straps for securing a Pt to the board. My big question, however, is what you guys like to use to immobilize the head in addition to a C-collar? I'm going to make the purchase soon, so your input is appreciated. Unfortunately, we don't have the budget to "trial" several different options.

I was trained using, and really like, the Hoover head blocks:

But I'm also considering something more like this:

or this:

I've even looked at reusable blocks (even though I really prefer disposable), such as this:

So my question is what have you all used, and what do you prefer?

 

[Onceamedic]

Number two is my favorite, but I use white duct tape to secure - making sure I fold together the part over the head and chin. Quick and secure.

PS... hate spider straps - these are velcro but they are a big pain in the a&&. Most of my co-workers hate them too. Our favorites? single use yellow tape with a sticky section. Very fast and easy and works great. Fire carries them and we are supposed to use ours only when choppering patients out. We will take any excuse to use the tapes instead of the spider straps.

 

[Sapphyre]

We use the second picture down. They work for someone who is with it enough to understand what's going on, but, we usually end up taping combatives.

 

[seanm028]

PS... hate spider straps - these are velcro but they are a big pain in the a&&. Most of my co-workers hate them too. Our favorites? single use yellow tape with a sticky section. Very fast and easy and works great. Fire carries them and we are supposed to use ours only when choppering patients out. We will take any excuse to use the tapes instead of the spider straps.

I can't say I've ever heard of that. Do you have a picture/link?

 

[Sasha]

We use the second ones, hate them. They never fit correctly.

 

[MMiz]

Our service uses #2 with disposable restraint straps:

I can't stand spider straps or the disposable ones. I prefer the cheap nylon restraint straps.

I guess the grass is always greener on the other side.

 

[tydek07]

I vote good old towel rolls and tape

The type we have are not pictured here, but they just break/rip in this cold weather... so we end up using towel rolls and tape anyway.

 

[marineman]

We use the rolls you have pictured, it's the only thing I've ever used so I don't have any comparison but I have no problems with them. As usual it seems the more simplistic the device the less problematic it will be.

 

[TheAfterAffect]

We use SpeedBlocks And I love em, You just lock em down and strap em up.

 

[Ridryder911]

I've used them all and they are all nothing but crap. I have yet found one that truly immobilizes the head properly. So, in my opinion choose the cheapest and easiest. We use number three, that looks like paper towel rolls and has duct tape.

I going towards Bledsoe findings that most of immobilization and need is a myth. Good old blanket and athletic tape is the best for those that truly have spinal injuries and the CYA calls get the commercialized ones.

R/r 911

 

[Shishkabob]

Preferred;

 

[MSDeltaFlt]

I chose "other" because I'll use whatever's handy. If I have nothing else but tape, then so be it. I'll just tape their head and C-collar to the LSB.

There is no such thing as C-spine immobilization in the prehospital setting. We can restrict. We cannot immobilize. The only thing that can truely immobilize the C-spine is a HALO which is placed only by neurosurgeons and hurts like h*ll when it's placed.

Trust me. I know.

 

[Ridryder911]

There is no such thing as C-spine immobilization in the prehospital setting. We can restrict. We cannot immobilize. The only thing that can truely immobilize the C-spine is a HALO which is placed only by neurosurgeons and hurts like h*ll when it's placed.

Trust me. I know.

So true, as the old saying to those in Halo's .. Your really are screwed! .. or You would loose your head, if it was not fastened on.

 

[MSDeltaFlt]

Yeah, I now know what a 10 on a 10/10 pain scale is. The absolute worst pain I have ever had in my life.

 

[mycrofft]

If I'm right you will be testbedding anyway.

Aren't the headblock devices single use?
Get different types and get feedback. Buy in bulk after the first batch is at the resupply stage.

 

[seanm028]

Aren't the headblock devices single use?
Get different types and get feedback. Buy in bulk after the first batch is at the resupply stage.

I'm thinking that might be the best option.

 

[BossyCow]

Instead of purchasing some of each, contact your medical supplier and ask for some samples to try out.

We use #2 because they take up less space than the roll ones. We do not expect them to be the be all and end all. After the patient is secured, we look for gaps, spaces, and looseness and fill those gaps with rolled towels, blankets, kerlix rolls secured with tape.

I use both straps and spiders. The spider seems to be perferred by those who use it most often. So my guess is that you will prefer the one with which you are most familiar. I do like the velcro restraint straps and will be looking into those as the next evolution of our strapping system.

 

[Airwaygoddess]

We use Sta blocks here and of course if needed I have my 2 inch cloth tape or duct tape. I would also like to say it is a good idea to have an extra set of disp. straps in your ambulance, they come in handy for tall patients.

 

[Scout]

What do you want them for?

How often will they be used?

What will they be used on?


Think about what they will be used for, if its a lot of falls and spills that should be immobilized due to MOI then i would suggest the washable ones. Lower total cost.

Will you be running mainly trauma calls with a lot of fluids where cleaning the equipment will be difficult, or do you need quick turn around times where you cant spend the time to clean Velcro properly?

Look at this sort of stuff and see which one will fit.

 

[Airwaygoddess]

Oh!!!

We use Sta blocks here and of course if needed I have my 2 inch cloth tape or duct tape. I would also like to say it is a good idea to have an extra set of disp. straps in your ambulance, they come in handy for tall patients.

Does anyone remember the yellow "Cheese blocks"? I swear I started out with cheese blocks and 2 inch tape, ( or duct tape) that patient could not move........