title: Cervical spine immobilization before admission to the hospital.
abstract: There is insufficient evidence to support treatment standards.
  
  
  
  There is insufficient evidence to support treatment guidelines.
  
  
  
  All trauma patients with a cervical spinal column injury or with a mechanism of injury having the potential to cause cervical spine injury should be immobilized at the scene and during transport by using one of several available methods. A combination of a rigid cervical collar and supportive blocks on a backboard with straps is effective in limiting motion of the cervical spine and is recommended. The long-standing practice of attempted cervical spine immobilization using sandbags and tape alone is not recommended.
authors.forename: M N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Hadley
authors.forename: B C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Walters
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Grabb
authors.forename: N M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Oyesiku
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Przybylski
authors.forename: D K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Resnick
authors.forename: T C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Ryken
mesh_terms: D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D010343:Patient Admission; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000628:therapy*