Removing collars and backboards

Posts: 1 · Joined: 22 Mar 2008 Posts: 1 Location: Italy

Hi there! I'm an ED nurse from Italy! I'm looking for an algorythm or a guideline for the triage operations.
I need to understand how do You do when You recieve a trauma patient in your ed, who's lying on a backboard, or just sitting with a collar.
Do You always remove these stuffs or do You wait for the diagnostics?
I found some critaeria like the Canadian C-Spine Rule, but i've never found any hospital who uses it. Can anybody help me?

Thanks
Thomas

Posts: 19 · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 19 Location: Phoenix AZ USA

Hey Thomas,
Since I don't know anything about you, I need to ask a couple questions.
Are you working in Italy or elsewhere?
New to ER? If not, how long have you been in the emergency room?
Been in ER about 8-9 years. This is my experience. In a "trauma room" situation where the patient is unconscious, the c-collar is NEVER removed without an xray or CT scan. Sometimes they even leave them on the board until after CT. If it is not a life-threatening emergency (ie car crash, no obvious injuries, pt just complaining of neck pain), the doctor will remove the collar/board while assessing the patient and asking him if certain things hurt and to move his head in full ROM.
Also, every hospital has its own protocols about who can remove what. Often it depends on the trauma center level (I-III, I being highest, III being takes no trauma, only codes).
Hope this helps. Good luck!
angela Smile