Paramedics often use spine boards in emergencies involving limb and spinal injuries. But before transferring a patient on a stretcher, secure them to the spine board.
Not all stretchers are suitable for use with a spine board, and we’ll explore this issue in depth shortly.
Some of the stretchers you can use with a spine board include ambulance and vacuum mattress stretchers. For the former, strap the patient onto the spine board. You can then secure them to the stretcher. Meanwhile, strap the patient onto the vacuum mattress stretcher. The vacuum mattress stretcher is placed over the spine board.
Let’s expound more on using spine boards with stretchers.
1 – The Ambulance Stretcher
An ambulance stretcher makes transporting a patent on a spine board easy. The ambulance stretcher allows you to push the patient rather than carry them.
You can use an ambulance stretcher together with a spine board. First, secure the patient to a spine board before placing them on the stretcher.
Securing A Patient On A Spine Board
Securing a patient to a spine board involves the following steps:
Step #1: Establish whether the patient needs immobilization. Only particular emergencies require immobilization. Hip fractures, pelvic instability, and spinal injuries are examples of these injuries. Immobilization protects the patient from more injuries during the transfer.
Step #2: Once you’ve established that the patient has head or neck injuries, apply a cervical collar to stabilize the region. The cervical collar will keep the head and neck from moving side-to-side when placing the spine board under the patient.
Step #3: Position the patient in readiness for a log roll. This maneuver requires at least three professionals. As the leader and coordinator of the group, you’ll be positioned at the patent’s head. The second paramedic will hold the waist and hip area, while the third holds the patient’s legs.
Step #4: Roll the patient sideways together. Communicate with the rest of the team when lifting the patient sideways. You can all coordinate to move the patient at the count of three.
Step #5: Roll the patient onto the spine board. Once the patient is sideways, place the spine board under the patient. Roll back the patient and ensure they’re positioned at the center of the spine board.
The picture below shows paramedics performing a log roll procedure:
If the patient isn’t positioned at the center, pull them down, and move them up. Moving them in this way will minimize movements in the injured areas. It will also reduce the pain the patient feels during the process.
Step# 6: Secure the patient. Begin by securing the torso using the straps on the spine board before securing their abdomen and waist. Secure the lower body once you have tied all the other parts to the spine board. The image below shows a patient who’s been secured on a spine board:
Step# 7: Assess the patient for extremities. Assess the patient’s motor functions, blood circulation, and sensation. This investigation happens before and after immobilization.
Note: If the patient has neck injuries, use a scoop stretcher instead of the spine board. Don’t roll a patient with neck injuries.
Using The Ambulance Stretcher
As earlier stated, an ambulance stretcher makes it easier to transport the patient you’ve strapped onto a spine board. The process of using the ambulance stretcher comprises two stages. These include lifting the patient on the spine board and securing them on an ambulance stretcher.
You’ll need your friend’s assistance since you can’t lift the patient on the patient on the spine board alone.
Some of the techniques to use when lifting a patient include:
- Assume the correct body mechanics while lifting the patient to minimize injuries on your back
- During the lift, keep your backs bent straight, only bending your knees
- Use smooth and straight lifting motions so you don’t rock the patient
- Position yourselves as close as possible to the patient to minimize strain on your backs
With these precautions in mind, lift the patient and place them on the ambulance stretcher. You can then wheel the patient to a hospital or into an ambulance as shown below:
2 – A Vacuum Mattress Stretcher
A vacuum mattress stretcher is more comfortable than a spine board alone. A patient who lies on the spine board for a long time will be uncomfortable.
Never keep a patient on the spine board for more than two hours. If you need to immobilize the patient for longer, use a vacuum mattress stretcher together with a spine board.
Placing the Patient On A Vacuum Mattress Stretcher
The most effective way of transferring a patient on a vacuum mattress is by using a scoop stretcher. A scoop stretcher allows you to move the patient while minimizing their movement.
If you don’t have a scoop stretcher, you could lift the patient using a sheet and place the deflated vacuum mattress stretcher under them. This maneuver requires at least five paramedics to ensure patient safety purposes.
The vacuum mattress should be deflated when you place the patient. Ensure the air valve is at the patient’s feet and that their head is clear from the pump. The patient’s head shouldn’t be in the vacuum mattress because it could be compressed during inflation.
Wrap the vacuum mattress stretcher around the patient body and begin to pump air until it turns rigid.
Alternatively, you can wrap only the injured part in the vacuum mattress stretcher as shown below:
Complete the process by fastening the patient onto the vacuum mattress stretcher. As the vacuum mattress is flexible, lift the patient using the spine board’s handles.
Advantages Of The Vacuum Mattress Stretcher
Using the vacuum mattress stretcher with the spine board is the better method. Below are the advantages of the vacuum mattress stretcher:
- It’s more comfortable than the spine board, allowing longer hospital journeys
- It’s more adaptable to a wider variety of traumas, including neck, femoral and spinal injuries
- It distributes pressure more equally across the patient’s body, reducing discomfort and soreness.
Conclusion
You can use the ambulance or vacuum mattress stretcher with the spine board. A combination of the ambulance stretcher and the spine board is for shorter journeys because it’s uncomfortable. If you need to travel longer to a hospital, use the vacuum mattress stretcher and the spine board because they’re more comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you secure a patient on a spinal board?
A spinal board has straps that allow you to strap different sections of a patient’s body. Begin by strapping the torso area. Next, secure the waist section and the feet.
When is it suitable to use a spine board?
Use a spine board when you need to immobilize a patient before a transfer. Securing the patient on the spine boards’ rigid frame reduces movement around the injured regions.
Can I use a vacuum mattress with a spine board?
Yes. Begin by wrapping the vacuum mattress around the patient and inflating it. You can then transfer the patient onto the spine board and secure them.
