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paediatric
pre-hospital
injury
injury

A critical appraisal of the pre-hospital management of cervical spine injury in children and young people

02 March 2015
Features
02 March 2015
Volume 7 · Issue 3

Abstract

Paediatric cervical spine injury (CSI) has been outlined in current literature as a research priority, where it has been included in the top 10 clinical research priorities by the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network. This article therefore aims to review the evidence base underpinning UK paramedic practice when managing children and young people at risk of CSI. In this article, particular focus shall be given to clinical practice challenges while exploring the risk over benefit debate of spinal immobilisation. Throughout this article, considerations for future research and of adopted future practice shall also be made.

In the 2014 paramedic Standards of Proficiency by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), it is outlined that HCPC registered paramedics must be able to thoroughly assess and examine patients of all ages. It is also highlighted that HCPC registered paramedics must safely and skillfully apply appropriate therapy and treatment, while ensuring patients are suitably positioned or immobilised if necessary (HCPC, 2014). As a rare presentation to the emergency services, cervical spine injury (CSI) in children and young people has limited evidence-based guidance to support pre-hospital practitioners with their treatment and management (Anders et al, 2014). In light of this, the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network have highlighted CSI immobilisation as a research priority with the recent development of a paediatric-specific pre-hospital research agenda (Foltin et al, 2010). This critical appraisal therefore aims to review the evidence base underpinning UK paramedic practice, when managing children and young people at risk of CSI, with particular focus towards immobilisation. Furthermore, clinical practice challenges and potential patient safety and risks shall be debated.

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Cervical spine injury
Children
CSI
Paediatric
Spinal