C-spine immobilisation is a controversial topic because of a lack of high quality evidence from clinical trials. Historical approaches have been challenged, however NICE guidance continues to recommend 3-point immobilisation for all patients with suspected spinal injury despite considerable clinical equipoise.

In this episode we discuss the complexities of balancing the risks and harms when trying to provide a patient centred approach, rather than a “one-size fits all” model.   As always, there are a number of papers, guidelines and resources that you should have a look at (it’s not exhaustive, but a good place to start!)   Enjoy!  

Rob

References & Further Reading     NICE Guidance   Major trauma   Spinal injury    Faculty of prehospital care consensus statements   Spinal immobilisation   Minimal patient handling   Cochrane reviews   Spinal Immobilisation for Trauma   Papers of interest   Cowley et al 2017   Dixon et al 2015   Benger & Blackham 2009   Hauswald 2015   Hauswald 2013   Michaleff et al 2012   Podcasts   RCEM Learning   EMCrit