EMT Skills: Spinal Immobilization Supine Patient - EMTprep.com

[@JC-mi7wn]

Passed all of them on the first attempt because of these vids. One of the best ways to study and get confident in this essential content. Thanks a lot

[@anthonybranchflower4308]

Currently taking Emt class and this helps so much especially cuz Covid we only only go physically in class once a week

[@kodiritacco5559]

Don't forget to tell your patient what you're doing. In real emergency situations if you're not telling your patients whats going on while you're poking and pushing and immobilizing them, It's only going to raise anxiety levels. Other than that this is a great prep video!

[@sbdftw1702]

This video is for assessment purposes only. He’s following a list. So it won’t mimic a real life situation.

[@colinmartin9797]

Anyone watching this now, you do not secure the head after the chest. Head is last. Shoulder, chest, hips, legs, feet, THEN head.

[@alihoseinpour5836]

Why though? Head seems like priority

[@triciacavanaugh4482]

Thank you!

[@colinmartin9797]

​@alihoseinpour5836 you don't want to secure the head and then have the body move as you secure downwards. That opens up opportunity for injury. Using a person to provide manual stabilization throughout the immobilization process means the head can be held stable in relationship with the rest of the body, and only fixed in place when the body is fixed.

[@alihoseinpour5836]

Thanks, that makes sense ​@@colinmartin9797

[@joebooks9261]

@@colinmartin9797thx🫡

[@zacharyfevold9610]

Hey EMTPrep just wanted to say thank you for the great videos! I just passed my practicals

[@Emtprep]

Congrats Zach! Never stop learning!

[@crowdseyeview]

EMTprep couldn’t of done it w/o you

[@MrMankeyMan]

I passed my test because of these videos 👍

[@ashleehunt6838]

I was taught the Z maneuver which we move the patient down than up on the backboard. We were taught that if we moved it up and across in one movement such as this it's more likely to compromise her spine and most examiners will fail ( coming from kingman arizona) as well as head being last to be secured

[@FlankerJackChannel]

The Z maneuver seems to be the most acceptable way. I'm in las vegas and we only use backboards for extrication and not transport.

[@ellamayo9619]

that’s how i was taught as well

[@Nobodynooneatall]

I was taught the two emt personnel on the body should cross arms with one another as to further stabilize the spine from displacement.

[@rickster831342]

I was taught to hold the back board at a 45 degree angle as I roll the patient on to the board then to move the patient down and up to properly position the patient

[@Emtprep]

Pandasaur us That's definitely not a bad idea if you have the personnel to ensure that is done in a controlled manner. Great thinking!

[@frankiereneaward9281]

Me too as far as the down and up. I can’t think of what it’s called..z method maybe?

[@nicolefernandez8357]

Me 2

[@nicolefernandez8357]

Apart of that i learnt how to do it with only 3 people, 2 moving the patient 1 head 1 body, and the other one places the spinal board (except if the lower extremities where seriously broken)

[@paintballfanatic7231]

@@frankiereneaward9281 I was just taught that the other night in class, it's called the saw method.

[@alyssamarie4720]

So glad I found this, I take my practical this Saturday!

[@Emtprep]

Best of luck Alyssa! Let us know how it goes!!

[@LV426wy]

2018 EMS Update (part of it) presented to me by AMR “SMR: the goal is maintaining spinal neutrality. No patient should be transported on a backboard for the sole purpose of spinal motion restriction (increases movement, pain and imaging). (Flat excepted) If the backboard is used for extrication, crews should be logrolling the alert patient off the backboard onto the gurney. Hard collars are to be used for SMR however if they don’t fit the patient, modifications should be made using such items as rolled towels. “ Also for a suspected head injury place the head of the gurney at 30 degrees to avoid increasing ICP, except with a concern for thoracolumbar injury requiring supine for SMR. Also, obviously, avoid hypoxia and hypotension. (Medics provide ondansetron to avoid vomiting) I was taught the POWR acronym for shock Postition the patient (raise the feet of the gurney if hypotensive) Oxygen (high flow) Warmth (stock blankets) Rapid Transport (trust your partner)

[@phirepr00f]

The national registry doens't care about AMR's policies.

[@stanleybrunhouse9467]

We use spider straps. And, when we secure the head, we use a criss-cross with tape over the chin and up to the head and vice versa - but not only to the head blocks, but to the backboard as well.

[@kidnamedre]

these videos ate very helpful but perhaps you can make a video or include critical fails on these skills

[@Emtprep]

+andre macklin Great idea Andre!

[@MaxSafeheaD]

great idea.

[@dasvinimistry9591]

Dasvini Mistry interesting points ,if anyone else wants to learn about emt study questions try Debuncar Medic Study Aid (do a search on google ) ? Ive heard some awesome things about it and my colleague got cool success with it.

[@marisabelbarbagallo7919]

an

[@smc4600]

andre macklin Great idea. My instructor tells us that it is the very small things that usually result in failed attempts. Such as announcing BSI or making sure the scene is safe.

[@Chika100209]

My test is this Saturday. And these videos are helping me a lot. Thank you so much!!

[@Emtprep]

You bet Sarah!

[@darksamurai25]

Excellent video. Training my Emergency Response Team here in Trinidad and Tobago and it's very useful.

[@CloroxBleach-rm5nj]

I was taught that securing the head is last. It goes in this order: shoulders, hips, legs, head.

[@PierceMD]

Yes. If something happens early on, you can damage the patient's neck.

[@amandaloves1d8]

i’m here cuz i have my final exam for my high school emt 1 class (the same exact emt class you take at a community college but adapted to fit in a high school setting) tomorrow. i’m a little nervous but i feel like i’ll do well. my teacher said it’s mainly patient assessment and airway management

[@dutay1]

Make sure that YOU take immediate c-spine stabilization and verbalize the change over and wait till a parter takes it or the evaluator acknowledges the simulated c-spine. . My buddy verbalized it like the video and failed.

[@marlenehill8835]

Thank very much!!! I am going to do make final practice in two days.... I've seeing your videos through out of the course... it was great help......thanks

[@Emtprep]

+Marlene Hill Awesome Marlene! Glad you are finding them so helpful!

[@brianatruett731]

these videos are great...they helped me pass my skills testing

[@Emtprep]

That is awesome, Briana, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

[@brandonmcgee3609]

I was taught before applying the c collar, to check for cervical step off, broken mandible, JVD, tracheal deviation and a broken clavicle. Is this a nationally expected protocol? Or is this more of a regional thing?

[@Emtprep]

Those sound like excellent tips for the field. While they may not be written down on a skill sheet, they're great things to keep in mind whenever you perform that skill.

[@charliehollis1486]

All of your videos have been very well done. I have watched them while going through the NREMT skill assessment sheet for each station. On the spinal immobilization sheet, they have as the last step to 'securing the patient's arms to the device.' Would you not simply have the patient's arms underneath the torso straps? This was not done in your video, so I am wondering if it is perhaps up to the individual proctor/examiner as to how this is done? It doesn't appear to be a deal breaker as I see nothing about it in the list of critical criteria to be met. Thank you for providing such excellent educational material! I am working to get my basic EMT certification back at 56 years of age. Yes, I know. I'm insane. ;~)

[@Emtprep]

+Charlie Hollis Hey Charlie, we love your question! There are a lot of ways to secure the arms down. Verbalize one way to the proctor during your test and you should be fine. It is also totally okay to ask them if they would like to have you demonstrate this technique or just verbalize it. Sounds like you know this material pretty well! Best of luck on your test, be sure to come back and let us know how it went.

[@daegan00]

We were taught to start securing the patient on the backboard starting at the feet, and then onto the head

[@sharonashley88]

Daegan I was taught to secure torso, chest, head then legs/feet

[@Melodre]

I was taught that this is bad practice; if the board somehow destabilizes and the patient is only strapped by their feet, they'll fall face first.

[@jamesersher7705]

In class they said to secure the head last since if the other parts were not secure it could shift and cause damage to the neck. Or is that only the case in using a KED and not a backboard?

[@MermaidHair13]

I was told that the head should always be the last thing secured- I believe if I secured the head before the legs as shown in the video, I would receive a critical failure on my exam. I understand the important thing is to secure the torso first, but may I ask why the legs were secured after the head?

[@makeisaedwards663]

Natalie Weiss i am told daily in class the same thing as well. If you follow the skill sheets its the head before legs but my instructors always say head last

[@MrKyleeboy]

I was also related that information. In fact I was told to start at the feet and move up the head in a sequential order.

[@TormodSteinsholt]

+Natalie Weiss That makes sense. If you have fastened the head, then any accidental shifts while securing the legs may put a strain/tension on the patients neck.

[@Emtprep]

+Natalie Weiss Hey Natalie, you bring up a great point. The reason this skill video shows the station being performed in this manner, is because we are going by the NREMT skill sheets. You may end up doing something entirely different in the field, and that is fine, we're solely showing people how to pass the practical exam.

[@benbarker7315]

On the NREMT skill sheet "Critical Criteria" it clearly states a fail point: "Head immobilized to the device before device sufficiently secured to the torso." Do it this way, and you won't pass.

[@Littlemissyabba]

I have never seen anyone cross the chest straps like this in my EMT class, and we also secure the whole body before the head. Does it matter when you secure the head or if you do not cross these straps?

[@Emtprep]

Do what you were Trained to do with the equipment you have. You’ll do great!

[@beastandfeast66]

If anyone can let me know, when you’re all done do you have to say transport them or anything like that

[@StrangerThoughts-hn7mi]

got my test Saturday...11/19/22. lets hope all goes smooth🤔

[@Emtprep]

Kyle, what's the update!?!?

[@StrangerThoughts-hn7mi]

@@Emtprep passed 🙂

[@Emtprep]

@@StrangerThoughts-hn7mi CONGRATULATIONS man!!!! We’re so excited we got to play a small part in your career goals. Best of luck on your future endeavors, never stop learning!

[@StrangerThoughts-hn7mi]

@@Emtprep videos helped a lot, and thanks✌

[@adamc2378]

Shouldn't the patient's arms be within the straps as well?

[@Emtprep]

Depends on their injuries and mental status. Generally speaking, strapping in a conscious patients arms is pretty unnerving and not recommended.

[@rachaelconstancio8312]

I actually had spinal immobilization performed on me after I was rear-ended at a traffic light at approximately 20 mph. After I told the paramedics that my neck and back were hurting, they placed a cervical collar around my neck and strapped me down to a backboard. I felt being immobilized on a spine board was a little excessive and dramatic for a rear-end collision. I was secured to the backboard in a similar way with a similar strapping pattern, but the paramedics also applied a strip of tape across my neck. The physical sensation of lying on an uncomfortable board, unable to move, was not the most notable thing about the experience. While I was lying strapped to the backboard on a stretcher at the accident scene what I was waiting to be loaded into the ambulance, I had the most intense feeling of embarrassment in my life. It felt humiliating when the bystanders were staring at me while I was in a pathetic state like this. I also never felt so helpless before. I had no control over the situation. I couldn't even move my head to look at the car, paramedics, and bystanders as the neck brace and strips of tape across my forehead and neck prevented me from turning my neck. The paramedics had to retrieve my purse from the wrecked car. The immobilization and ambulance ride weren't bad. The paramedics kept me relaxed and calm as they told me what were they doing to me and reassured me that this was precautionary while immediately after the accident I was stressed out and anxious. I knew I was going to be fine because I wasn't hurt badly and I was in competent and capable hands.

[@puredemocrat55]

Can you just quickly explain how to properly attach the straps to the longboard. My test is in 2 weeks and I've seen several people do it differently (I couldn't really see it well in the video). Do the straps go under the holes in the board and come back up? Or are they just tied on? Or does it not matter on the national exam?

[@Emtprep]

Jacy Machado Hey Jacy, unfortunately, straps and boards vary test to test. Usually, you will be allowed to view your equipment before your test starts, and some places even offer a "practice day" the day before to familiarize yourself with the equipment. Best of luck on your exam!

[@GalaxyDude96]

What about securing the arms?

[@corneliaabraham8452]

where were the instructions on where the hands should be be on the patient and why isn't the person at the head issuing the count?

[@firefighter2699]

Passed everything except this, I did backboarding twice, I know for sure I got everything and was trying to remember what I forgot, anddd of course it was the feet when I was checking cms 🤦🏻

[@jolenemaynard001]

If this is a active scene out patient does the nerve check further damage or can damage or cause more internal and external pain.

[@courtneyconnor6717]

is there any way i could make it to where it won't take me long to put straps on spine board and strap pt. (I'm a student at National EMS Academy (EMT) and we don't use the cross strap like he did. I don't think Acadian even does that actually

[@blackops1223and2]

Courtney Connor try using a headblock to put under the board and quickly throw the straps underneath the board

[@sgt.guardsman2221]

We were taught to secure the head to the board last. Is that wrong?

[@Emtprep]

Hey SGT, we recommend always going by the skill sheets.

[@user-kn4rp1qm9m]

Thank you for making and sharing these videos. They are very helpful!

[@Emtprep]

You bet! Glad we could help.

[@israelborder1188]

I'm from Indonesia. Can I have online course?

[@JasmineMejia-mz1hs]

Um cap refill? Or did that not exist 9 years ago

[@MaxSafeheaD]

I wonder ... as the staps obviously don't want to be too tight, if a pre-attached velcro system would be much faster.

[@computerjennarated]

On the nremt spinal immobilization check off sheet it says to secure the patients arms to the device? Can I just strap them down with the torso? My practical is tomorrow

[@smc4600]

Jenna Reeder really? How did that go?

[@DaleEicher]

@@smc4600 I just did my test last weekend; I strapped the arms in with the torso and passed. You just want to make sure your patient isn't to large for the straps to be tight, mine was borderline, and be sure to verbalize what you're doing.

[@Your_Average_Fly]

in my emt class that are telling us to strap the head down last. will that make a difference if I do it last or 2nd as you did in this video

[@Emtprep]

+Kelby Smith hey Kelby, good question. Follow the skill sheets verbatim and you'll never fail. Best of luck!

[@cristencarpentier6968]

during the NREMT exam, you are not allowed to be "over" the patient though, correct? This is being done for visual purposes? During the Basic exam, I would be expected to go around the pt to the other side of the board...?

[@Emtprep]

Hey Cristen, check with your proctor before you start your test. That is not defined as a critical fail.

[@cristencarpentier6968]

Awesome thank you! That will be tomorrow morning!

[@chancemcfarland9498]

He should've assessed her cervical spine before applying the collar, other than that everything was great. Very helpful.

[@epvcrew]

There is no assessment for this skill except for assessing the pulse, motor, sensory functions before and after immobilizing the patient's spine on the backboard. That's what the Trauma Assessment is for. Take care.

[@cmilotte]

I just learned in my class to secure torso, legs, then the head. This looks incorrect.

[@Emtprep]

You should be good to go as long as you do it according to the NREMT skill sheets.

[@TGCidolfus0830]

I recently did this in Des Moines, and every student not from the college failed and afterwards we (the students who failed) were discussing what we could have done wrong in the parking lot and one of the student assistants (the emt partner in the exam) told us outside we all failed because our "order" was incorrect. Even if it was exactly what the NREMT skill sheet said, it was supposed to be as Christina said as we were told we "could have caused excessive movement and damage of the spine." which in the examiners eyes is a critical fail. So this is just a cautionary tale. Sadly the worst part for me was this was my paramedic practical and I passed every other skill station and now have to wait another month to retest the exact same station I passed when I did my EMT.

[@DconNexus]

I was there in Des Moines.

[@henryaaa]

Protocols vary from county to county. In SD it's legs, chest, head, but NR is chest, heads, legs.

[@blackops1223and2]

Henry Aviles You in South Dakota?

[@RobertSencion-q6r]

He never said capillary refill or ask her to take a deep breath so he can tighten the chest part of the strap part.

[@repoilify]

Wait, putting head pads over ears?

[@tbuff91]

I just failed my test because I chose to put two towels next to my patients side to pad her voids after already secured my patient and I did CMS. Apparently two washcloth sized towels can compromise C-Spine even if my patient is already secured to the backboard. Biggest crock of bullshit, I would have challenged the ruling if I was thinking clearly. At the time I was so pissed off that I failed on something so minor that it didn't even go through my head that I should have challenged my fail. On my retest I got an overweight patient and had a small skinny ass girl as my assistant.. Long story short, she couldn't help roll the guy properly so I failed yet again. Now I have one more shot to pass spinal immobilization. This skill test really shouldn't be this difficult.. I feel like I'm getting screwed.

[@Emtprep]

Hey Tman, what a tough spot to be in. You know you can pass this test. Keep your head up! You will pass this thing soon enough. Focus on kicking this test in the teeth this next go around and be sure to let us know how it goes. We're pulling for you!

[@tbuff91]

I'm taking my retest today and I feel pretty confident. I'll let you know how it goes. Preciate the words of encouragement!

[@Emtprep]

You got this TMAN!!!

[@tbuff91]

I passed! Finished the NREMT in 65 questions. Officially certified! Some bumps in the road but thats part of life. Passed the backboard station on my second try a month or so ago. Passed the computerized test on my second try. It's been a long summer but the journey is just starting. I can't wait to see what the future brings me!

[@oreillyautoparts7362]

Tman how is it going

[@89jchem]

helpful. taking my skills test tomorrow !

[@Emtprep]

Johnny Chem You bet Johnny, best of luck! Let us know if you have any questions, [e-mail]

[@OogaBoogaGams]

Did you pass?

[@franciscocontreras2753]

Remember to yell out “BSI Scene Safety” first.

[@stanleybrunhouse9467]

I do appreciate your videos! Thank you!

[@Emtprep]

+Dana Hoyer You bet Dana!

[@hatersgotohell627]

If you fail a portion of pratical exam, can you retake just that part or do you have to do every single one again

[@hannahmcelhaney4550]

During my NREMT examination, they failed me for strapping the arms down (I made them take a deep breath so I don't suffocate them) but I did everything else right. We're they right in failing me?

[@Emtprep]

So hard to say Hannah! Sorry you had to go through that. Did you retake and pass?

[@Omegaplaya]

cannot restrain the patient, but can secure the hands together with a cravat just enough that they don't reach, but are still able to free themselves. Good luck

[@mckinneykids2877]

What about Dcap-btls?

[@logangriffith4950]

I do not believe that is part of the nremt sheet for this skill. if it is not on the skill sheet, do not worry about it bc it will eat up your time. 10 min for this skill right here is what we have been told here in south Carolina

[@corneliaabraham8452]

saw the head guy issuing the count. I thought it would have been said in the video so we would know that its the person at the head who issues the count

[@theburntcookieshub5803]

2:30 "On the Head's count..." but absolutely yes on the head's count.

[@jjm5989]

is that considered rapid trauma assessment ?

[@Emtprep]

Joel Montiel Hey Joel, you tell us! What is the difference between a focused trauma assessment and a rapid trauma assessment?

[@hatersgotohell627]

So I'm not in a class or anything do you do this with a real person in the exam? like the lady on the ground?

[@CloroxBleach-rm5nj]

No, on a 180 lb. mannequin.

[@dtrell1265]

Quick question, do you have to cross the straps like that or is it optional? I wasn't taught to cross the straps in my program

[@Emtprep]

We'd recommend you go with whatever you were taught. It depends on the manufacturer recommendations generally speaking, but your Instructor will most likely have taught you the way you will be tested with that specific equipment.

[@jonathanrios4366]

He did the combat method, that’s why he crossed the straps on the torso, it should have been torso then feet then the head last. Plus he didn’t wrap the feet and the tape across the forehead is how you finish securing the head. You must tape the head so it doesn’t move.

[@chrisrose8333]

Wait doesn’t the 3rd partner need to stabilize the board with his feet ?

[@Emtprep]

Hey Chris, that is not a part of the test, but a great idea!

[@godsmacked1000]

Do you offer any classes in the Orange County CA area?

[@Emtprep]

Edwin Hernandez Hey Edwin, unfortunately not. You can always check out our website, EMTprep.com though.

[@gloomyclive161]

Did he size the collar?

[@Emtprep]

Hey Clive, that is something he could have verbalized better for sure. Thanks for commenting!

[@MarkP]

At 1:44 he clearly says he is going to size the patient for a c-collar.

[@maryancumar5578]

This video helped me

[@geminivision_films]

Am i suppose to check for CB fluid coming out the ear? Because i didn't see that happening here.

[@Emtprep]

Redd Chinn The Demi-God always a good idea to verbalize it redd. Good question!

[@CloroxBleach-rm5nj]

No. This isn't a trauma assessment.

[@nathanielgould73]

Amazing

[@siquq]

good demo

[@PerxcyzYt915]

Ngl I feel bad for anyone who has to be a victim of the c collar my worst nightmare edit: this was 2 years ago an c collars rlly ain’t that bad now lol

[@rooneyfire9901]

how come he didn't ask for consent from the patient?

[@Emtprep]

+Goldenkosher saxybacon Hello golden, he doesn't ask because that is not on the skill sheet.

[@rooneyfire9901]

EMTprep thanks you for the clarification.

[@abedwell5]

Did he lean over the patient?

[@Emtprep]

He did, sometimes you need to do that given resources and manpower

[@mollymcdaniels134]

They didn't make sure the patient didn't have any extra room under her neck and back. If so then he would need to put a pad of some sort there.

[@Emtprep]

Definitely something we could have added, good catch!

[@AndensoMartinez]

Hello how are you lm from San Felipe in puerto plata dominicana Republican 🇩🇴

[@MichaelTV44]

Is it just me or was the guy who stabilize the head moving her around too much.

[@RDorothy1111]

nice thx

[@Emtprep]

+Ivan Richards You bet Ivan!

[@christianflores3120]

+EMTprep thank you emt prep i pass my Nremt thanks to your testing app and the skills sheet!

[@noobart443]

thank God for spider straps!

[@isabellesibthorp5742]

No way strap

[@alyssaphillips8090]

I was taught the head is the first thing you do, then you hook it to the board after you do the chest.

[@cwordmuffin]

He didn’t move her up up to roll her over!!!

[@ericehrenzweig2184]

Are you guys really being serious or just trolling?

[@xtemfo]

Me personally I like to use duct tape better than the webbing

[@Emtprep]

Hey Leena, if your protocols allow it, we saw go for it!

[@EarthBender007]

My Baby Tastes Like Honey... helps me remember the order

[@Emtprep]

+Andrew Marshall Awesome! Tell everyone what that stands for in case they don't know.

[@suzzsnith9454]

What does that stand for??

[@tbuff91]

Maintain in line stabilization of C spine, Check the back, strap down the torso, strap down the legs, strap down the head last. Make sure to check CMS before and after haha. That would be my guess.. Weird way to remember but if it helps you remember then more power to you! :P

[@marco6191115]

Why is she barefoot

[@ThisRealTalkTV]

3 of the 6 most viewed videos on their channel is the ones with her being barefoot 😭

[@BeanDar]

We use webbing lol

[@Emtprep]

Hey Bean, that's craziness!

[@BeanDar]

EMTprep I know right? Oh well