Which statement is correct regarding the use of a cervical collar during immobilization?

Which statement is correct regarding the use of a cervical collar during immobilization?

• A. It is used before manual immobilization.
• B. It is used after manual immobilization is removed.
• C. It is used instead of manual immobilization.
• D. It is used in addition to manual immobilization.

Answer: (D)

A cervical collar is an added aid for immobilization, not a replacement for manual stabilization. In suspected spinal injury, you first establish manual stabilization to prevent any movement of the head and neck. The collar is then applied to help maintain that alignment and provide rigid support during transport. It’s used in addition to manual immobilization, not instead of it, and you typically keep manual stabilization in place until the patient is secured to a spine board or similar rigid device with the collar already in place. This is why the correct approach is to use the collar in addition to manual stabilization.

A cervical collar is an added aid for immobilization, not a replacement for manual stabilization. In suspected spinal injury, you first establish manual stabilization to prevent any movement of the head and neck. The collar is then applied to help maintain that alignment and provide rigid support during transport. It’s used in addition to manual immobilization, not instead of it, and you typically keep manual stabilization in place until the patient is secured to a spine board or similar rigid device with the collar already in place. This is why the correct approach is to use the collar in addition to manual stabilization.