Stiffneck Collars Training Information

A stiffneck collar is a type of hard, plastic cervical collar, or neck brace, used primarily by emergency medical personnel for extrication of patients. The purpose of a stiffneck collar is to immobilize the cervical spine (the seven vertebrae in the neck) in instances of severe trauma or post-operation of certain surgeries. A stiffneck cervical collar should only be administered or prescribed by a trained medical professional.

When to Use

• A stiffneck collar should be used on any unconscious patient that is suspected of having suffered any kind of trauma. For conscious patients, apply a collar if he has suffered trauma that may cause spinal injury, such as being thrown from a car, bike or horse; experiencing severe electric shock; or being hit by a vehicle when walking or cycling. In addition, according to the Royal Children’s Hospital of Melbourne, a stiffneck collar should be used on a conscious patient that has “multiple traumas, significant injury above the clavicles, trauma and unexplained hypotension, a history of neck trauma, neck tenderness, limitations of neck movement due to pain, neurological deficit or other major injuries (e.g. fractured limbs, abdominal injury).”

How to Use

• Use your hand and fingers to measure the distance from the top of the patient’s shoulder to the angle of his jaw. Then adjust the collar so the distance from the “measuring post” to the bottom of the hard plastic corresponds with your measurement of the patient’s neck. Next, apply the stiffneck collar to the patient’s neck (two people are required). Insert the chin support, recheck the sizing and fasten the collar.

Once It’s On

• Once a hard cervical collar has been applied, it should not be removed until the patient has been cleared of any suspected cervical spine injury.

Afterward

• Once the collar is removed from the patient it should be inspected for any signs of damage it may have sustained. Thoroughly disinfect the collar, then rinse it clean with running water. Allow the stiffneck collar to fully dry before storing it away. Always store it in a flat position.

Children/Uncooperative Patients

• Stiffneck collars do not often fit small children and infants; if cervical spine injury is suspected, the child’s head and body should be held still and immobilized by parents, medical personnel or both. If the patient, child or otherwise, is uncooperative or thrashing around, do not fasten his head to a spinal board unless his body is also fastened.

Warning

• Accurate sizing is vitally important for patient safety. Do not ever adjust the collar while on a patient—remove and resize if necessary. The patient's head should always be held in the “neutral position” when sizing and applying a stiffneck cervical collar. Always read instructions for and familiarize yourself with the specific type of stiffneck collar you are using.