- Measure and apply an adjustable cervical collar.
- 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.
- Discontinue if patient non-compliant or not tolerant of hard collar and opt for manual in-line stabilisation or head-blocks only.
| Settings | |
|---|---|
| Extended Care: | |
| Colour assist: | |
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