Spotlight on Research

In this paper, the authors argue that spinal immobilisation during extrication of patients in road traffic collisions (RTC) is still routinely practised, despite the lack of evidence. The current research builds upon a previous ‘Proof of Concept’ study undertaken by this team (Dixon et al, 2014), which identified up to four times more cervical spine movement when using traditional rescue equipment, as opposed to allowing haemodynamically stable patients to self-extricate under paramedic instruction.

Using biomechanical analysis, the most recent study sets out to identify which technique used during extrication from a vehicle causes the least cervical spinal deviation from the neutral in-line position.

Sixteen participants were recruited: seven males and nine females, aged between 18–40 years (mean age 24 years), height between 157–198 cm (mean=174 cm); five participants weighed under 65 kg, six people were in the 65–80 kg category, and five weighed over 80 kg. Participants were excluded if they were under 18 years, already had knowledge of extrication procedures and/or they had medical conditions that may be aggravated by extrication such as spinal injuries, arthritis etc.