How to Build a Spine Board

Spine boards are used after an accident when you suspect the victim may have a spinal injury. It is important to prevent paralysis and further injury by keeping him flat and immobile during transport to an emergency medical facility. A spine board can also be used to move a victim away from further harm while you wait for help to arrive. Build your own spine board with basic carpentry skills. Thick plywood can accommodate heavier victims.

Things You'll Need

• 4-by-8 3/4-inch plywood
• Jigsaw
• Sander
• Medium and fine grit sandpaper
• Ruler
• Cardboard
• Scissors
• Wood sealer
• Paint brush
• Cinch straps

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Instructions

• 1

  Mark the length and width of your spine board on the plywood: 7 feet 5 inches by 3 feet 5 inches.

• 2

  Tie 2 feet of string to a pencil. Place the other end of the string 20 inches from the top of the board, centered across the width. Move the pencil across both top corners to create rounded corners. Repeat at the bottom.

• 3

  Draw a kidney-bean shape about 7 inches long on cardboard, and cut this out to create a template for the cinch strap holes.

• 4

  Trace the template shape onto the plywood with a pencil at four locations: along both long sides of the board aligned with the head, the torso, the hips and the legs. The crescent of the kidney-bean shape should curve toward the edges of your board.

• 5

  Cut the plywood with the jigsaw along your drawn outlines, including cutting out the cinch strap holes.

• 6

  Sand all surfaces. Use a medium grit first, then smooth out the final layer with a fine grit. Don't forget to sand inside the strap holes as well.

• 7

  Apply a layer of wood sealant to the board with a paint brush. Allow this to dry.

• 8

  Thread cinch straps in each of the handles and across the board. These will be loosened or removed to place a victim in the board, but should be stored with the board so they are readily available in an emergency.