The Perils of Backboard Use

In this episode Dr. Dave Evans from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center joined us to talk about the prehospital use of backboards.

This August, the Central Ohio Trauma System released guidelines addressing proper spine precautions.  The recommendation from this document is that backboards should be "used judiciously and are recommended only for extrication purposes."

Dr. Evans explains that there is no evidence based literature that would support the use of backboards.  In fact, the use of backboards can be detrimental to your patient.  Please keep in mind that we are only talking about backboards.  Cervical collars are still important and are required to properly care for patients that have sustained a potential cervical spine injury.  

Central Ohio Trauma System Spine Precaution Guidelines for Pre-Hospital Providers 

Thank you for listening and have a Merry Christmas!!!!