How to Apply a Cervical Collar

Cervical collars were designed to assist in protecting the spinal column and cord from further injury. It is not designed to completely immobilize this region but provides support until further medical diagnosis and care can be obtained.

Instructions

• 1

  Realign the cervical spine through a manual stabilization if possible. This requires the rescuer to place their hands over the patient's ears and elbows going along the spine using the hands to release pressure off the head over the spine.

• 2

  Remove clothing that impeded the application of the collar as long as it does not cause any movement or pressure. Cut away what you need to using a cutting utensil if available. This should be done by a second rescuer while the first maintains patient realignment.

• 3

  Open the collar and approach the patient from the front sliding the collar up from the chest to the chin. You are fitting the collar to the patient. Make sure the front of the jaw is level. If the collar protrudes past the jaw, the collar is too small. Slide the collar away from the sternum to replace with a larger size if necessary.

• 4

  Slide the back of the collar over the left shoulder in place while rescuer one is still aligning the patient's head. Find the Velcro tab and fit the collar over the right shoulder.

• 5

  Bring the front part of the collar up under the jawline as done before. When it is positioned properly, secure in place with the Velcro tab.