In the UK, approximately 500–600 casualties per year sustain traumatic injuries to the spinal cord, about 50% of those involve the cervical spine.
UK ambulance guidelines are very clear in that if immobilisation is indicated, the entire spine should be immobilised using an orthopaedic scoop stretcher, head restraints and a rigid cervical collar.
Opinions relating to the use of cervical collars massively vary and the topic continues to be debated in the paramedic profession.
Even policies and procedures very throughout the different NHS trusts in the UK.
Cervical collars were originally considered to be harmless and effective, they were used as a precautionary measure.
Today there is an increasing amount of evidence suggesting otherwise and ore-hospital healthcare professionals argue that cervical collars can do more harm than good.
To many medics it is a choice albeit debatable whether there use is consistent with the principles of patient safety and evidence-based practice.
There are no definitive rules.
Brands of cervical collar include:
Stifneck SELECT Cervical Collar
Ambu Perfit Ace Adjustable Extrication Collar
Ambu Mini Perfit Ace Adjustable Paediatric Extrication Collar
Ambu Perfit Ace Adjustable Extrication Collar
Ambu Redi-ACE Extrication Collar
Philly Patriot Adjustable Extrication Collar
WizLoc Adjustable Extrication Collar
Philly Patriot Adjustable Extrication Collar – Paediatric
