An evidence review of prehospital spinal immobilization : traditional stabilization methods are overused

Approximately 2% of all injuries that present to EDs are spinal cord injuries (SCIs). While overall incidence may seem low, traumatic SCIs are a serious matter. In fact, one reason for adhering to strict immobilization assessment and guidelines is the extreme cost of missing the diagnosis of a spinal injury. This may be why practices for immobilizing a patient’s spine prior to hospital transport have been largely unchallenged for the last 30 years.