Safety training
G WO Advanced Rescue Training Standard / V6 02032026
2. The Danish evidence -based guideline on spinal stabilisation of adult trauma patients (Maschmann et al., 2019) reaches similar conclusions: ⁴
e.
Evidence that rigid collars improve outcome is weak.
f. There is concern for harm (including increased mortality in some subgroups,
↑ ICP, airway issues and
pressure sores).
g. Routine prehospital rigid -collar use is not recommended. Instead, the guideline emphasises:
g.i spinal motion restriction using manual support and patient cooperation;
g.ii vacuum mattress or similar whole -body support when required;
g.iii self- or minimally assisted extrication where safe.
2.3 Extrication and movement research
⁵ ⁶
Extrication and biomechanical studies (including the EXIT project) show that:
• Self-extrication or minimally assisted extrication with verbal instructions often causes equal or less spinal movement than device -based extrication with collar and long spinal board.
Long spinal boards are best regarded as short
-term extrication devices, not transport devices;
•
prolonged use is associated with discomfort and potential harm.
• National inquiries and safety alerts have highlighted the risk of worsening thoracic, abdominal or pelvic injuries when patients are suspended or vertically lifted on a board, particularly if it is attached to a harness.
3.
Non-Routine use of a cervical collar during rescue
Within ART, the cervical collar is considered a non -routine, last -resort option for head support.
Wherever possible, rescuers shall prioritise:
1. Self-control by the injured person (conscious casualty instructed to minimise head movement).
2. Manual support of the head and neck by a rescuer, with careful movement and clear communication.
3. Device -based support from the primary packaging system (e.g. head blocks, straps, padding on a stretcher or vacuum mattress) configured in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
A cervical collar may be considered only when all of the following are true:
The injured person is unconscious or cannot reliably follow instructions.
•
Mechanism or findings suggest a possible spinal injury.
•
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