RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The ‘Necksafe’ head articulation control system: a novel cervical immobilisation device
JF Emergency Medicine Journal
JO Emerg Med J
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and the British Association for Accident & Emergency Medicine
SP 564
OP 570
DO 10.1136/emermed-2013-203527
VO 32
IS 7
A1 Alison Sparke
A1 Karina Torlei
A1 Sarah Voss
A1 Mike Page
A1 Jonathan Benger
A1 Ed Matthews
A1 Michael Hillman
A1 Darren Hart
A1 Ella McLaughlin
A1 Jane Carter
A1 Nigel Harris
YR 2015
UL http://emj.bmj.com/content/32/7/564.abstract
AB Introduction The early application of a semirigid disposable cervical collar following trauma is considered a routine practice. The aim of these devices is to immobilise the cervical spine and minimise the risk of additional neurological damage. However, these collars provide only partial immobilisation, are uncomfortable and are associated with a number of complications. Our team designed and tested a novel cervical immobilisation device that aims to improve immobilisation with reduced complications: the ‘Necksafe’.Methods Human volunteers were recruited and consented to test the novel Necksafe device in comparison with a conventional collar (the AMBU Perfit ACE) in a range of evaluations. These included assessments of the cervical range of movement (CROM) that occurred during scripted movements of the head and neck, and the effect of the new and conventional devices on jugular vein dimensions, assessed using ultrasound scanning.Results CROM analysis showed that, under standardised testing conditions, the Necksafe device offers cervical immobilisation that is at least equivalent to a conventional collar, and is superior in the planes of extension, lateral flexion and rotation. Ultrasound examination of the jugular veins was inconclusive and did not reveal any differences in jugular venous diameter or flow. Qualitative feedback from ambulance paramedics was highly supportive of the new design, suggesting that it is more comfortable, easier to fit, less confining and better tolerated than a conventional collar, with improved immobilisation effectiveness.Conclusions The results of quantitative and qualitative testing are highly supportive of the new Necksafe design, with improved cervical immobilisation, comfort and access to the airway.