Development and Testing of a Pediatric Cervical Spine Injury Risk Assessment Tool (C-SPINE 2018)

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Development and Testing of a Pediatric Cervical Spine Injury Risk Assessment Tool (C-SPINE 2018)

Health Condition: Cervical Spine Injury
Health Impact Domain: Safety of care, Effectiveness of care, Primary EMS focus

Summary

Cervical spine injuries (CSI) are serious, but rare events in children. Immobilization of children with CSI in the out-of-hospital setting may be beneficial, but is poorly studied. In contrast, immobilization for transport of pediatric trauma patients without CSI is common and known to be associated with adverse effects. As a result, more than 99% of immobilized children have no CSI and are exposed to harm with no demonstrable benefit. The purpose of this study is to develop and test a Pediatric CSI Risk Assessment Tool that can be used by EMS and ED providers to determine which children warrant spinal precautions and cervical spine imaging after blunt trauma.

Key Publications

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