Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026
A Novel Vertebral Stabilization Method for Producing Contusive Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: January 5, 2015
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
Insights
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.
Abstract:
Immobilizing a child presents a unique challenge for emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in addition to those challenges faced when immobilizing an adult. Most equipment commonly carried by EMS personnel is sized for adult use and as a result does not routinely provide adequate static or dynamic immobilization of a child. In addition, children often resist immobilization and can free themselves from standard strapping techniques. These problems have led to the modification of existing equipment and the development of several pediatric-specific devices. An ideal pediatric immobilization device would be one that uses an existing piece of equipment, is of limited additional cost, is routinely used by EMS providers, could be easily modified to immobilize a child, could easily be taught to EMS providers, and provides excellent static and dynamic immobilization. The Kendrick extrication device (KED) used as the authors describe meets these goals of an ideal pediatric immobilization device.
More Related Videos
04:19Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Using Sagittal Alignment Screws and A Trauma Reduction Device
Published on: November 8, 2024
07:12Clinical Efficacy of an Innovative Multidimensional Traction Therapy in Moderate Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Published on: February 10, 2026
