Citation

Winterberger E, Jacomet H, Zafren K, Ruffinen GZ, Jelk B. Wilderness Environ. Med. 2008; 19(2): 108-110.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1580/07-WEME-CO-1012.1

PMID

18513106

Abstract

Injured patients in crevasses who are suspected of having sustained spinal injuries should ideally be extricated after being immobilized in a horizontal position on a stretcher and having a cervical collar applied. Sometimes, however, horizontal stabilization is not possible, because the crevasse is too narrow, and the patient needs to be stabilized in a vertical position. In such cases an extrication device can be a useful adjunct. The Kendrick Extrication Devicetrade mark stabilizes the position of the body and maintains firm support of the head, neck, and torso. Therefore, the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine supports the use of this device in narrow crevasses, if horizontal evacuation is not possible.

Language: en