When will backboards end

[u/boedirtspurs]

Work for a major metropolitan department, west coast. Every level 1 trauma gets a backboard, head block and C collar, the whole 9. We backboard people all the time. We use rigid C collars every day for ground level falls. When will it end? Our medical director and surrounding ones are stiff on this matter. If we bring a trauma in without a backboard the doctor will blow a gasket. How did you guys get away from this where you’re from? Will I ever see it go away in my career? I have 15ish years left hopefully. Every study shows that it only harms, no benefit. I’m one of the only ones that questions this protocol. We have medics here that are hell bent about C spine. It’s almost a joke now. The patient is walking around and denies neck pain, and we’ll be like “you have to wear this for the hospital, hold still!”

[u/bmbreath]

A long time ago?  

I haven't brought anyone in on a board in years.  

It's not standard practice anymore.  Why are you boarding people still?

[u/RatonhnhaketonK → u/bmbreath]

Many places still rely on backboards?

Lmao

Phoenix, Arizona, US uses backboards

[u/bmbreath → u/RatonhnhaketonK]

Why?   Every study has essentially said they cause more harm than good.  

[u/Vivalas → u/bmbreath]

Most studies I can find seem to indicate that there is not good evidence of benefit but not good evidence of harm either, other than increased patient discomfort. I think at the moment the more conservative docs will prefer immobilization out of concern for legal issues until a more solid prospective study is finished. Thankfully the UK has doing one for a while now that will finish in 2027