1) The document provides instructions for properly applying a cervical collar to immobilize the spine of a seated patient. 2) It describes how to size, position, and secure the collar, including placing the chin support under the chin and pulling the back of the collar snug while holding the front in place. 3) Alternatives to collars for spinal immobilization and the scenario of arriving on the scene of a car crash with one stable patient who requires spinal immobilization using a short device are also outlined.

1. Spinal Immobilization
Seated Patients
NYS EMT-B Skills Assessment Stations
5-A Seated Patient

2. Properly Applying a ‘Collar’

3. Properly Applying a ‘Collar’

4. Properly Applying a ‘Collar’

5. Properly Applying a ‘Collar’
Place the chin support under the
chin. If a different size is needed,
remove, resize, and re-apply the
collar.
Pull the back of the collar snug while
holding the front in place, and then
fasten

6. Properly Applying a ‘Collar’
For a supine patient, slide the rear panel
behind the neck before placing the chin
support

7. Properly Applying a ‘Collar’
Cannula hooks are provided for the
securement of
supplemental oxygen lines.

8. Alternatives to a Collar

9. The Scenario
This station is designed to test your ability to provide spinal
immobilization on a patient using a short spine immobilization
device. You and an EMT assistant arrive on the scene of an
automobile crash. The scene is safe and there is only one
patient. The assistant EMT has completed the initial assessment
and no critical condition requiring intervention was found. For the
purpose of this station, the patient’s vital signs remain stable. You
are required to treat the specific, isolated problem of an unstable
spine using a short spine immobilization device. You are
responsible for the direction and subsequent actions of the EMT
assistant. Transferring and immobilizing the patient to the long
backboard should be accomplished verbally. You have ten (10)
minutes to complete this station. Do you have any questions?

10. The Skill Sheet

11. The Skill Sheet

12. The Video (Seated)