Introduction: Due to the rapid pace of life many people are dependent on means of transport which are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries when accidents occur. Proper treatment is crucial for preserving current state and preventing further injuries. Immobilization is one of the basic elements of quality care for injured persons and can provide better prognosis of the injury. Purpose: This bachelor thesis aims to present comprehensive immobilization in a pre-hospital environment and demonstrate its advantages and disadvantages, thereby reducing total number of secondary injuries that occur due to improper handling. Methods: In the thesis descriptive method was used. Papers cited date to the time period of 2005 to 2018. References were searched for in Slovenian and English by key words comprising cervical spine injury, immobilization, scoop stretcher, cervical collar, prehospital spine injury, spinal motion restriction in databases of CINAHL, Medline, Science Direct and COBISS.SI. 43 scientific papers were included in the analysis. The articles were evaluated according to the power of evidence. Results: Immobilization is crucial for preventing secondary injuries, as it is estimated that up to 25% of secondary injuries occur during transportation or initial pre-hospital and hospital care. In spite of all the benefits, it also brings deficiencies that require further attention. Preserving life is more important than retaining the spine in a neutral position. One of the more serious complications is delay in important measures such as stopping of bleeding, ensuring free airway and enabling breathing. In case of penetrant injuries where no neurological disorders are present, immobilization is not recommended as it causes delayed reanimation or holds up important measures, which contributes to higher mortality rate for immobilized injured patients. Discussion and conclusion: It is challenging to demonstrate the effectiveness of immobilisation directly, as studies for determination of difference between immobilized and non-immobilized injury are ethically controversial. As of now it is not known how much movement is required to cause secondary injuries. Immobilization contributes to complications such as difficulty in breathing, possibility of ulcer due to discomfort while also prolong the time and costs of treatment of the victim, so the criteria with which the rescuer (paramedic) decides to immobilize are important. Professional qualifications are needed to identify potential injuries of spine cord and the need for immobilization, as unnecessary immobilization causes unnecessary pain and discomfort to the injured person.
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