Inconsistencies in the treatment of football neck injuries

There are clearly inconsistencies in treatment techniques offered by EMS providers to football athletes with potential severe neck injuries. It is unclear if current teaching methods or cirriculums play a role in these inconsistencies. Standardized cirriculum and practical skills would ensure consistent treatment of potential catastrophic neck injuries in football athletes. This study also suggest the need of formal protocols for treating these injuries. Many times there may be non-EMS providers involved in the care of the athletes. Communication of the protocols to all "team" members is vitally important. We ALL (EMS, athletic trainers, coaches, and physicians) need to be on the "same page" when treating such an injury. The result of a knowledgeable team may mean the difference between an athlete being a liability on society versus a productive member of society.