Which statement regarding cervical collars is correct?

Which statement regarding cervical collars is correct?

• A. A cervical collar replaces manual immobilization.
• B. A cervical collar is never used with manual immobilization.
• C. A cervical collar is used only during transport.
• D. A cervical collar is used in addition to, not instead of, manual immobilization.

Answer: (D)

In spine precautions, immobilization starts with a hands-on hold to keep the head and neck aligned. A cervical collar then helps maintain that alignment and reduces neck movement during handling and transport. It works best as part of a two-step approach: manual stabilization first, then the collar applied to support the neck, with the patient secured to a backboard. The collar by itself can’t prevent movement during transfer, so it’s used in addition to manual stabilization, not instead of it.

In spine precautions, immobilization starts with a hands-on hold to keep the head and neck aligned. A cervical collar then helps maintain that alignment and reduces neck movement during handling and transport. It works best as part of a two-step approach: manual stabilization first, then the collar applied to support the neck, with the patient secured to a backboard. The collar by itself can’t prevent movement during transfer, so it’s used in addition to manual stabilization, not instead of it.