Are cervical collars effective and safe in prehospital spinal cord injury management?

Introduction: The discussion of cervical collars is an area of recent debate in the paramedic profession. Used as a precautionary measure and initially thought of as harmless there is an increasing amount of evidence suggesting otherwise. Aim: This literature review will aim to comprehensively examine research surrounding the adverse effects of cervical collars and the range of movement they enable. Methodology: Ebscohost Health Science Research database was searched between June 2017 and July 2017. Search parameters included peer reviewed, full text, English language, publication dates 1997-2017. Seven articles were found and chosen for inclusion in the literature review. Findings: Two themes were identified in the literature; ‘Adverse Effects’ caused by cervical collars, and ‘Range of movement’. Conclusion: UK Ambulance Guidelines need to be re-evaluated based upon current literature suggesting cervical collars do not provide any significantly increased additional immobilisation, as well as additional chances for potential adverse effects.