asamborski

Certainly. I am currently in a medical device design class and the purpose of this project was to look at an existing medical device and either redesign or improve the device through feedback from the end user. What I am looking for here is any information that can help make the experience of applying or using a C-spine collar better in some way; whether that be in the application process or a physical change to the device. I understand that the effectiveness of the collar in the field is debatable, however the goals of the project are not to prove functionality only to generate a design that functions similarly if not better than the original. Its really more of a way to understand the process of designing a medical device. On that note, I do need feedback from people like those on this site. So any suggestion or comment on problems faced, features that are liked or disliked, or any general information would be very helpful. Again thank you for your time and feedback

Hi Everyone! I am a student working on my master's degree at the University of Colorado in Boulder and am looking for a bit of research assistance from any active EMTs. My group is looking into refining/improving the c-spine collar and application procedure. If you wouldn't mind taking a couple minutes to answer the questions from the following survey, it would be much appreciated. You can either answer here, in the discussion, or e-mail me at Andrew.Samborski@colorado.edu. Thank you all for your time and responses. Have a great day! EMT C-Spine Collar Survey: 1) How often do you use a cervical collar? 2) Which type of collar do you prefer? Is it adjustable? 3) Could you name any issues you have had with correctly sizing a collar for a given patient? 4) Are any patients particularly difficult to fit? Which? 5) Can you give a quick summary of how you typically apply a collar? 6) Has there ever been a time when applying a collar required excess head movement? If so, why and could it have been avoided? 7) Have you ever had any difficulties applying a collar? If so, what were they? In what type of situation? 8) Has removing a collar ever been necessary in the field? If so, why? Were there any complications? 9) Are there any features that you would like to see incorporated into a cervical collar? This includes anything that might be particularly useful or handy, no matter how small.