C-Spine Collar

UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED

Indications

Contraindications

Patient Factors & Considerations

Factors

Procedure

All relevant infection control methods to be utilised.
One person immobilises the head and neck in neutral position.
Assistant prepares cervical collar from a sealed package according to the size of the patient (adult or child).

Measure the collar size by holding your open hand on the patient’s shoulder.
Record how many fingers in height to the chin and transfer the measurement to the front of the collar^[3].
Adjust lock tabs at top of collar to the transferred measurement and secure the collar in place by depressing lock tabs.
Maintain neutral neck/head alignment.
Slip the back section under the neck slightly and align the chin section with the chin of the patient^[4].
Secure the sections together by keeping one hand on the chin brace and attach the velcro strip securely, ensuring no movement of the head/neck^[6].
Ensure it is a snug but comfortable fit and ask the patient to stick out his/her tongue to ensure the mouth can still be opened and the chin brace is not too tight and limiting mouth movement if the patient needs to vomit.
Ensure the collar is located centrally on the patient with the chest support section in the center of the sternum and the neck not pushed out of neutral alignment.
The application of a collar alone does not protect the spine.
Maintain manual cervical spine immobilisation until head-blocks/spider straps are in situ.