[Spinaltrauma : Clinical diagnosis and initial care]

The rescue, treatment and transport of patients with an injured spine require a systematic scheme with the subsequent rating of the findings and suspected diagnoses. In addition to the assessment of temporal urgency, the available resources and personnel, the duration and complexity of any possible technical measures that might be anticipated, the rational selection of immobilisation tools also plays a significant role. The most important medical rescue aids are the scoop stretcher and the spine board; the spine board, vacuum mattress and cervical collar are used to immobilise the patient.

This article is focused on the diagnosis and initial treatment of isolated spinal injuries. The prehospital care of polytraumatised patients and/or those with multiple injuries differs significantly and has different priorities.