Lower back pain

[hammerpcp]

Can anyone tell me a good reason for keeping a pt on a spinal board who is having lower back pain? This pt was involved in an MVC several months ago and has been having physiotherapy which seems to actually have exacerbated the pain. Today, while trying to get out of car, the pt experienced so much pain that he had to lie down on the ground and could not get up (due to pain only). He just happened to be in a park behind the fire station so your friendly neighbourhood fire fighter called us. My partner put the pt on a spinal board, fine no problems there, but then he told me to leave the pt on the board once we got to the hospital. (There was more to that exchange but that’s the key point). So, since my partner today is completely unapproachable I would like some outside opinions of why you think he may have made this call. Personaly, I can't think of a good reason. BTW, the pt did not have any cervical spine control in place.

What do you think?

[hfdff422]

Mabye it was concern based on the pertinent history? I am not sure it was the best decision, but it certainly would be a CYA maneuver. I hope he at least padded it to comfort.

[TechMedic05]

If for nothing else, the patient is now somewhat mobile. Although yes, you still need to do the moving, at least the patient can be easily moved.

I highly doubt it'd be a "CYA" maneuver if here was no C-Spine immobilization performed...Why only do half the job?

[akroeze]

This pt sounds like they would have been perfect for canvas and poles... man I love using those

[hfdff422]

The location of the pain may be indicative of an aggrevated injury originally inflicted in the MVC, and the partner was focusing on the location of the injury. I agree that a board equals collar under most circumstances, but if it was localized it would be of less concern- but does not coincidee with my CYA theory.

[Dustdevil]

The question was not about putting the patient on a board. The question was about leaving the patient on a board.

Unless there is more to the patient's condition than I am aware of, no, I can't think of any good reason to leave him on it.

[ERDoc]

Can anyone tell me a good reason for keeping a pt on a spinal board who is having lower back pain? This pt was involved in an MVC several months ago and has been having physiotherapy which seems to actually have exacerbated the pain. Today, while trying to get out of car, the pt experienced so much pain that he had to lie down on the ground and could not get up (due to pain only). He just happened to be in a park behind the fire station so your friendly neighbourhood fire fighter called us. My partner put the pt on a spinal board, fine no problems there, but then he told me to leave the pt on the board once we got to the hospital. (There was more to that exchange but that’s the key point). So, since my partner today is completely unapproachable I would like some outside opinions of why you think he may have made this call. Personaly, I can't think of a good reason. BTW, the pt did not have any cervical spine control in place.

What do you think?

I would guess it is because your partner is uneducated as to the purpose of the board. It probably wan't a bad idea to put the pt on it so that it would be easier to move the pt, but once on the hospital strecher there is no need for it. It will only cause more pain (and possibly ulcers).

[sunfloweremt]

It is policy for our system that we not remove people from the boards at the hosptial. It is up to the hospital staff. In addition, leaving them on the board would make it easier to move when getting xrays. Usually the hospital takes of the spiders immediately and leaves them on the board for moving the patient.

[hfdff422]

It is policy for our system that we not remove people from the boards at the hosptial. It is up to the hospital staff. In addition, leaving them on the board would make it easier to move when getting xrays. Usually the hospital takes of the spiders immediately and leaves them on the board for moving the patient.

We have this requirement as well- once on, a Dr. has to clear removal of any "immobilization" device. Usually a nurse just asks and the Dr., without looking, says "whatever you think".

[Dustdevil]

The obvious solution is to not put them on the board in the first place.

Scoop them at the scene. Unscoop them onto the ER table.

Patient is comfortable. No equipment is left behind.