The document argues that hard cervical collars should be done away with based on three assumptions that are unsupported or proven false. Hard collars are unlikely to provide benefits to patients and can clearly cause harm. Instead of hard collars, the document recommends using softer "reminder collars" or vacuum mattresses for obtunded patients, and limiting energy deposition by not restricting motion for uncooperative patients. Hard collars are compared to other medical ideas that seemed good initially but were later disproven.

1. It’s Time to do Away with
the Hard Cervical Collar
Darren Braude, MD, Paramedic
Professor of Emergency Medicine & EMS
University of New Mexico
@darrenbraude
dbraude@salud.unm.edu

2. Not talking about this…

4. Assumption #1
Movement is Bad

5. F = ma

7. Assumption #2
Collar prevents
said movement

8. Assumption #3
Benefits outweigh risks

9. Benefits?

10. Risks

14. Unlikely to
help
Can clearly
cause harm

15. So what to do?

16. Thanks Minh! @ketaminh Prehospitalmed.com

17. Awake and Alert
Patient is in charge

19. Uncooperative
Limit energy deposition by
not restricting motion

20. Obtunded
Gentle movement, soft
“reminder collar” or vacuum
mattress

21. Ideas in medicine that seemed
great at the time…
MAST SUIT
INTRA-CARDIAC EPI
FLUIDS IN TRAUMA
SPINE
BOARDS
BLOODLETTIN
G
LOBOTOMIES
EGDT
HARD
COLLARS

22. Thanks again
Minh! @ketaminh
Prehospitalmed.c
om