Immobilization of the cervical rachis

The extrication collar is necessary to avoid, during moving or transportation of a polytraumatized patient, the compression of the cervical rachis, bearing in mind that every movement of the patient could reflect on the stability of the all rachis. The principal function is to reduce load on the rachis. The secondary function is that of preventing any movement of the rachis. To limit the dissipation of kinetic energy on this structure, it is necessary to apply the fundamental principal of immobilization: rendering the articulated mass of the patient a single mass. The cervical collar is part of a system that includes a spine board and belts, head immobilizer, ankle immobilizer and other accessories. It is in fact necessary that the whole body is bound to the supports with the same level of elasticity, in order to avoid compression of the spine or the injured parts.