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Reducing Pain and Skin Breakdown from Spinal Immobilization

Reducing Pain and Skin Breakdown from Spinal Immobilization. Use of backboard padding and the Thomas Back Raft™. Skin Breakdown. Patients may experience skin changes that lead to breakdown & pressure ulcers (bed sores) within 30 minutes of being on a backboard.

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Reducing Pain and Skin Breakdown from Spinal Immobilization

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  1. Reducing Pain and Skin Breakdown from Spinal Immobilization Use of backboard padding andthe Thomas Back Raft™

  2. Skin Breakdown • Patients may experience skin changes that lead to breakdown & pressure ulcers (bed sores) within 30 minutes of being on a backboard. • Anywhere that boney prominences meet the board, skin breakdown can occur. Lhsc.on.ca

  3. Padding • Pressure points can be reduced by padding contact areas and distributing pressure by padding voids • Padding examples: • Blankets • Towels • Egg crate material • Bubble wrap • Turley Backboard Pad • Thomas Back Raft™ • Vacuum splint backboard

  4. Thomas Back Raft™ • Air filled mattress that fills voids and relieves pressure • Packaged as a non-reusable medical supply but many services reuse the device after cleaning • Require a simple hand pump to inflate • Backboards may be stored with a Back Raft already attached • The Back Raft will not interfere with X-rays

  5. Indications • NCRTAC recommends that ALL patients placed on backboards have padding • Padding such as the Back Raft are particularly helpful in elderly patients with less muscle mass and fatty tissue

  6. Procedure • Begin by placing the Back Raft on a backboard with lettering facing up and the narrow head portion of the Back Raft towards the top of the backboard • Place the loops of material over and around the top of the board

  7. Procedure • Any head immobilization devices should be under the Back Raft • Remove the backing from the tape at the bottom of the Back Raft and press the tape to the backboard

  8. Procedure • Move the patient to the backboard using a procedure that minimizes movement of the patient’s spine • Logroll • Scoop • Vertical lift • Standing Take-down

  9. Procedure • Inflate the Back Raft before securing the backboard straps • Attach pump to inflation port • Turn the valve at the top of the Back Raft to the OPEN position (the valve handle is PERPENDICULAR to the inflation port)

  10. Procedure • Inflation Continued • Inflate the Back Raft until the patient feels relief; you should see a slight elevation of their shoulders • Close the valve (the valve handle is PARALLEL to the inflation port) • Secure the patient to the backboard using your usual strapping system

  11. Procedure • Monitor the patient’s condition enroute including: • ABCs • Vital signs • Pain relief • Inflation of the Back Raft (re-inflate as needed)

  12. Product Endorsement • NCRTAC does not endorse any particular commercial products but the Back Raft is a unique device that many providers in the region are familiar with • There are no other similar products known in its price range

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