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