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The Kendrick extrication device used for pediatric spinal immobilization
D Markenson1, G Foltin, M Tunik
1Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine and Bellevue Hospital Center, New York 10016, USA. dsm1@is2.nyu.edu
Prehospital Emergency Care
|January 28, 1999
Summary
Pediatric immobilization is challenging for emergency medical services (EMS). Modifying the Kendrick extrication device (KED) provides an ideal solution for effective pediatric immobilization.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Pediatric Care
- Medical Device Engineering
Background:
- Standard immobilization equipment is adult-sized, leading to inadequate pediatric immobilization.
- Children's unique physiology and behavior complicate standard immobilization techniques.
- Existing pediatric immobilization devices often require significant modification or are costly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the challenges in pediatric immobilization for EMS personnel.
- To define the characteristics of an ideal pediatric immobilization device.
- To evaluate the modified Kendrick extrication device (KED) as a pediatric immobilization solution.
Main Methods:
- Review of challenges in pediatric immobilization.
- Definition of criteria for an ideal pediatric immobilization device.
- Description of modifications to the Kendrick extrication device (KED) for pediatric use.
Main Results:
- Adult-sized equipment provides insufficient immobilization for children.
- A modified Kendrick extrication device (KED) meets the criteria for an ideal pediatric immobilization device.
- The modified KED offers excellent static and dynamic immobilization for pediatric patients.
Conclusions:
- The modified Kendrick extrication device (KED) is a cost-effective and practical solution for pediatric immobilization.
- EMS providers can be easily trained to use the modified KED for pediatric patients.
- This modification enhances the ability of EMS to provide safe and effective immobilization for children.