Log roll technique

The log roll is an accepted method to:

• facilitate airway management in an unconscious spinal victim.
• facilitate clearance of a spinal victims’ blocked airway.
• facilitate the victim who is vomiting or regurgitating.
• turn a victim onto their side to allow for the placement or removal of a spinal board.

A log roll is best performed using four to six lifesavers; however modified versions using two or three lifesavers can still be successfully performed. When performing a log roll, the victim’s arms are positioned down each side of their torso with their hands against their body. Their head, trunk and toes should always be kept in a straight line during the manoeuvre.

Follow these steps to perform a log roll as part of a team of four lifesavers:

1. Lifesavers 1-4 position themselves for the roll.
2. Lifesaver 1 positioned at the head coordinates rolling the victim into the lateral or recovery position, e.g., ‘three, two, one, roll.’
3. Lifesavers 1–3 simultaneously and slowly roll the victim towards themselves while ensuring the victim’s head, trunk and toes are kept in a straight line during the roll.
4. Lifesaver 4 treats the victim as required, e.g., clears the victim’s airway, removes or places the spinal board.
5. Lifesaver 1 positioned at the head coordinates rolling the victim into the supine position when appropriate, e.g., ‘Three, two, one, roll.’
6. Lifesavers 1–3 simultaneously and slowly roll the victim away from themselves while ensuring that head and spine stability is maintained at all times.