Strapping
A spinal board placed under the victim can be used by first responders should it be necessary to extricate the person. Strapping should be used to adequately immobilise the victim prior to moving. There are a variety of different straps that may be used. You should familiarise yourself with the ones used at your club.
To stabilise the victim for extrication, immobilisation strapping should be fitted over the victim’s body and secured to the spinal board (see image above). Medical guidelines generally advise that the chest strap should be secured first, followed by the hip and foot strap. As a precaution, first responders should always check the strapping manufacturer’s instructions about how straps should be applied.
Once all straps have been fitted, the first responder should check the security of the victim, and adjust the straps as required. First responders must maintain spinal alignment and head immobilisation until victim handover.
Strapping has been shown to restrict breathing and should be loosened if compromising the victim. It is important that the first responder constantly reassures the victim and monitors for discomfort, breathing difficulties and vomiting.
Strapping should only be applied if the victim is being extricated from danger to a location where medical personnel can assess them, and should be removed immediately after extrication is complete.
Extricating a victim
Once the victim is secured to the spinal board, they are ready to be extricated.
- The victim can be given oxygen therapy, if necessary
- Plan a coordinated lift – the first responder positioned at the head of the victim is in charge of the lift/movement
- Use safe lifting practices, maintaining head stabilisation
- Extricate victim to desired location, feet first, maintaining head stabilisation and ensuring that the board stays level
- Continue to monitor victim’s condition.
Points to remember:
- avoid lifting one end of the board higher than the other – keep the board horizontal, or the head higher on stairs or on an incline
- do not slide the spinal board across the ground or surface; it may catch and jolt the victim
- ensure that hair, jewellery and clothing is clear and cannot catch against surfaces or become caught in the first responders’ hands, straps, etc.
- use safe lifting practices and lift in a coordinated manner
- carrying the victim feet first allows the first responder supporting the head to walk in a forward direction.