WA Radio Scanner Users' Group

just want to know what is the current method used by sja in preventing further trama to possible spinal trama victims in mva's. I know any american bus goes all out in prevention of further trama.

spinal is always a hot topic. main point being that it is very hard to replicate the forces that have caused the injury in the firt place during CAREFUL and PROPER extraction and handling.

Standard care includes DRABCDE, immobilization with collar and sandbags, and a position determined by clinical state of Pt (ie unconsc or altered consc state - lateral position, or consc and orientated supine) and usually extraction and movement on a scoop stretcher.

There are a lot of articles relating to spinal management using long boards. Some experts agree that rigid immobilization onto a rigid spine board caused longer term care issues.

Some will argue that the "american" way of taping the head allows the body to move but not the head and neck, thus creating abnormal movements to the c spine.

Some would say that the stock standard WA and aussie method is no good, some would say it is. All depends on which expert you agree with.

Suffice to say current practice in WA is yet to be shown to be detrimental.