chapter 7. Player immobilization and transfer
MJ Shelly and AR Poynton
HEAD AND NECK STABILIZATION
How do I hold the head and neck steady?
Requirements
• Two people
• A hard cervical collar – a range of sizes or an adjustable one
• Sand bags
• Spinal board
Technique
• Kneel in a comfortable position above the player’s head. Hands are placed on the side of the head or helmet, holding firmly (Fig. 7.1)
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| Fig. 7.1 |
• Additional stability is achieved by resting your elbows on your thighs
• Fingers can be inserted into the ear holes of the helmet to ensure a good grip
• Reassure the athlete and tell them not to move
• If a hard collar is not available, continue to hold the head and neck steady until help arrives
Putting on a hard collar
Do not move the head and neck during the procedure.
How do I know which size?
How do I put the collar on?
It is extremely important that the player’s head does not move when you are putting on the hard collar.
While the head and neck are being held steady, the back of the collar should be slid behind the player’s neck first and securely closed across the front (Figs 7.4, 7.5).
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