TL;DR
Spinal Motion Restriction: Minimizing spinal movement using cervical collars and controlled movement based on mechanism and clinical findings.
Spinal Motion Restriction
Definition
Minimizing spinal movement using cervical collars and controlled movement based on mechanism and clinical findings.
Equipment & Tools
Equipment used in spinal motion restriction assessment and treatment:
- King airway
- Supraglottic blind-insertion airway device. Available sizes: Size 3 (4-5 ft), Size 4 (5-6 ft), Size 5 (over 6 ft)
- Waveform capnograph
- Measures end-tidal CO2 continuously with waveform display. Available sizes: Mainstream (inline), Sidestream (sampling)
- AED
- Automated external defibrillator for VF/pVT. Available sizes: Adult pads (over 8yo or 25kg), Pediatric pads (under 8yo or 25kg)
Exam Focus Areas
On the Nremt Emt, Nremt Paramedic exam(s), questions about spinal motion restriction typically test:
- Recognition of signs and symptoms requiring immediate intervention
- Assessment findings that differentiate between similar presentations
- Appropriate transport decisions and hospital notification criteria
Overview
Minimizing spinal movement using cervical collars and controlled movement based on mechanism and clinical findings. Current selective application guidelines tested on EMT and Paramedic exams.
In prehospital assessment, respiratory rate reference range: adult 12-20 breaths/min, pediatric 25-50 (infant), 15-30 (child). Deviations from these norms guide treatment decisions in the field.
Calculation Methods
Dosage calculations related to spinal motion restriction in EMS:
- amiodarone: 300mg IV/IO first dose, 150mg second dose (IV/IO)
- dextrose: D50W 25g IV (adult), D25W 2-4 mL/kg (peds) (IV/IO)
- atropine: 0.5mg IV q3-5min, max 3mg (IV/IO)
Pediatric dosing: always calculate by weight (mg/kg). Use Broselow tape if weight is unknown.
Workplace Applications
In daily practice, spinal motion restriction is applied consistently according to facility protocols and current evidence-based guidelines. Competency is maintained through annual skills validation, continuing education, and quality improvement participation.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting spinal motion restriction in the field:
- BVM: If bag-valve-mask for manual ventilation fails, verify connections, check battery, try alternate equipment. Available sizes: Adult (1500mL), Pediatric (500mL), Infant (250mL)
- Waveform capnograph: If measures end-tidal co2 continuously with waveform display fails, verify connections, check battery, try alternate equipment. Available sizes: Mainstream (inline), Sidestream (sampling)
- Pulse oximeter: If measures spo2 via infrared absorption through capillary bed fails, verify connections, check battery, try alternate equipment. Available sizes: Finger clip, Earlobe, Pediatric wrap
Why It Matters
Current selective application guidelines tested on EMT and Paramedic exams.
Related Terms
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