The use of extrication devices in crevasse accidents: official statement of the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine and the Terrestrial Rescue Commission of the International Commission for Alpine Rescue intended for physicians, paramedics, and mountain rescuers.
Injured patients in crevasses who are suspected of having sustained spinal injuries should ideally be extricated after being immobilized in a horizontal position on a stretcher and having a cervical collar applied. Sometimes, however, horizontal stabilization is not possible, because the crevasse is too narrow, and the patient needs to be stabilized in a vertical position. In such cases an extrication device can be a useful adjunct. The Kendrick Extrication Device stabilizes the position of the body and maintains firm support of the head, neck, and torso. Therefore, the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine supports the use of this device in narrow crevasses, if horizontal evacuation is not possible.
Winterberger
Eveline
E
International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine, Medical Commission of Alpine Rescue Switzerland. eveline.winterberger@rega.ch
Jacomet
Hans
H
Zafren
Ken
K
Ruffinen
Grégoire Zen
GZ
Jelk
Bruno
B
D017732:Air Ambulances; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000379:methods*; D004635:Emergency Medicine / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D009051:Mountaineering / Q000293:injuries* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D018635:Rescue Work / Q000379:methods*; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*