NREMT EMT 8: Psychomotor Skills Stations - Immobilization Skills, Cervical Collar, Long Spine Board, KED, Splinting, Extremity, Traction Splint for Femur

What This Is: Immobilization Skills

Immobilization skills are techniques used to prevent further injury to a patient's body, especially the spine, in emergency situations. Imagine you're in a car accident – the last thing you want is to make the injury worse by moving the person. Immobilization is like putting a protective cover on a fragile vase – it keeps everything safe until help arrives.

Key Steps / Core Facts:

• Cervical Collar (C-Spine Collar): A device that supports the neck to prevent spinal injury. Use it for patients with suspected neck trauma. (AVPU)
  • Why: To prevent further neck injury.
  • Example: Apply the collar with 2-3 fingers between the collar and the patient's neck.
• Long Spine Board (LSB): A rigid board that immobilizes the entire body, from head to heels. Use it for patients with suspected spinal injury. (SAMPLE)
  • Why: To prevent movement and further injury.
  • Example: Place the LSB on a flat surface, with the patient's head and heels aligned.
• KED (Knee, Elbow, and Dorsum): A device that immobilizes the patient's legs and hips. Use it for patients with suspected pelvic or femur injury. (OPQRSTI)
  • Why: To prevent movement and further injury.
  • Example: Place the KED with the patient's knees and elbows in a neutral position.
• Splinting Extremity: A technique to immobilize a broken or injured limb. Use it for patients with suspected fractures or dislocations. (RICE)
  • Why: To prevent further injury and promote healing.
  • Example: Use a splint to keep the limb straight and still.
• Traction Splint for Femur: A device that immobilizes the thigh and leg to treat a broken femur. Use it for patients with suspected femur fractures. (PQRST)
  • Why: To prevent further injury and promote healing.
  • Example: Apply the traction splint with the patient's leg in a neutral position.
• Red Flags: Watch for signs of spinal injury, such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.
• Normal Vital Sign Ranges: Pulse: 60-100 beats per minute, Blood Pressure: 90-140/60-90 mmHg, Respiratory Rate: 12-20 breaths per minute.
• Drug Doses: Epinephrine (adrenaline): 1:10,000 (0.1 mg/kg IV), Aspirin: 325 mg (adult dose).
• Mnemonics: AVPU (Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive), SAMPLE (Size, Allergies, Medical, Past, Last meal, Events), OPQRSTI (Onset, Provocation, Quality, Region, Severity, Time, Insurance).

What Laypeople Can Do:

• Check for Danger: Before helping someone, make sure it's safe to approach the scene.
• Call 911: If someone is injured, call for emergency help immediately.
• Provide Basic Care: If the patient is conscious, ask them if they have any medical conditions or allergies.
• Keep the Patient Still: If the patient is injured, try to keep them still and calm until help arrives.
• Don't Move the Patient: Unless the patient is in immediate danger, don't move them, as this can make the injury worse.

Common Mistakes:

• Mistake: Not using a cervical collar for suspected neck trauma.
  • Fix: Always use a cervical collar if you suspect neck trauma.
• Mistake: Not immobilizing the patient's spine.
  • Fix: Always immobilize the patient's spine if you suspect spinal injury.
• Mistake: Not using a long spine board for suspected spinal injury.
  • Fix: Always use a long spine board if you suspect spinal injury.
• Mistake: Not splinting an injured limb.
  • Fix: Always splint an injured limb to prevent further injury.
• Mistake: Not calling for help immediately.
  • Fix: Always call for help immediately if someone is injured.

Quick Practice Scenarios:

1. A patient is involved in a car accident and is complaining of neck pain. What should you do first?

Answer: Apply a cervical collar to immobilize the patient's neck. Reason: To prevent further neck injury.

1. A patient is injured in a fall and has a suspected broken femur. What should you do first?

Answer: Use a traction splint to immobilize the patient's thigh and leg. Reason: To prevent further injury and promote healing.

1. A patient is experiencing severe chest pain and is short of breath. What should you do first?

Answer: Call 911 immediately and provide basic care, such as asking about medical conditions and allergies. Reason: To get the patient the help they need as quickly as possible.

Last-Minute Exam Cram:

• Agonal breathing is NOT normal breathing – start CPR.
• Normal pulse range: 60-100 beats per minute.
• Normal blood pressure range: 90-140/60-90 mmHg.
• Normal respiratory rate range: 12-20 breaths per minute.
• Epinephrine (adrenaline) dose: 1:10,000 (0.1 mg/kg IV).
• Aspirin dose: 325 mg (adult dose).
• AVPU mnemonic: Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive.
• SAMPLE mnemonic: Size, Allergies, Medical, Past, Last meal, Events.
• OPQRSTI mnemonic: Onset, Provocation, Quality, Region, Severity, Time, Insurance.
• RICE mnemonic: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.
• PQRST mnemonic: Pain, Quality, Region, Severity, Time.