Impact of Cervical Collar and Patient Position on the Cerebral Blood Flow

Abstract

Background: Spinal protection during emergency medical service (EMS) transport after trauma has become a focus of debate. Historically , patients at risk for spine injury are transported in a rigid collar , long spineboard and headblocks. The cervical collar (c-collar) is hypothesized to provide stabilization for the cervical spine. However, little is known how the c-collar affects cervical blood flow.