How to Safely Transport Patients with Spinal Cord Injuries: A Comprehensive Guide

When dealing with spinal cord injuries, proper patient handling is critical to prevent further damage and ensure the best possible outcome. The standard practice involves using a rigid stretcher or backboard for transportation. In emergency situations where professional medical equipment isn't immediately available, improvised alternatives such as wooden boards, plywood, or even sturdy construction planks can serve as effective substitutes. These materials must be firm enough to immobilize the spine and prevent any bending or twisting during movement.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Moving a Patient with Suspected Spinal Injury

The safest method begins with positioning the patient correctly. Ideally, the injured person should remain in a supine position—lying flat on their back—with arms straight at their sides. Once stabilized, a rigid board or stretcher is carefully positioned alongside the patient. This setup allows rescuers to maintain full-body alignment while transferring the individual onto the support surface.

Handling Cervical (Neck) Spine Injuries

In cases involving cervical spine trauma, coordination among at least three trained responders is essential. One responder takes control of the head and neck by placing their hands firmly on both shoulders and gently supporting the sides of the head. Their role is to maintain neutral alignment of the head, neck, and torso throughout the move, avoiding any rotation or flexion.

The other two team members position themselves on the same side of the patient. One supports the midsection (around the chest and hips), while the second stabilizes the lower body and legs. On a clear verbal command, all three lift the patient simultaneously in a smooth, synchronized motion, ensuring the entire body moves as a single unit. This log-roll technique minimizes spinal displacement and reduces the risk of secondary injury.

Immobilization Techniques During Transport

Once the patient is secured on the backboard, additional stabilization becomes crucial—especially for cervical injuries. If available, a cervical collar (C-collar) should be applied to restrict neck movement. In resource-limited settings, a temporary solution includes shaping stiff cardboard into a semi-rigid neck brace that fits snugly around the neck.

To further limit motion during transport, supportive padding such as sandbags, rolled towels, or folded clothing should be placed on either side of the head and secured with tape or straps. This lateral immobilization prevents dangerous side-to-side head movements caused by vehicle vibrations or uneven terrain, which could otherwise exacerbate spinal cord damage.

Managing Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Injuries

Injuries affecting the thoracic (upper/mid-back) or lumbar (lower back) regions typically don't require direct head stabilization, although overall spinal alignment must still be preserved. For these cases, 2–3 rescuers can work together from one side of the patient.

Each responder slides their hands under the patient's body: one person supports the shoulders and upper back, another lifts the hips and lower spine, and a third may assist with the legs if needed. Using coordinated effort, they lift the patient horizontally and gently transfer them onto the stretcher without twisting or bending the spine.

• Maintain in-line spinal stabilization at all times.
• Avoid any jerky or uncoordinated movements.
• Communicate clearly between team members before and during the move.
• Never allow the patient to sit up or twist during handling.

Proper training, teamwork, and attention to detail are vital when moving someone with a suspected spinal injury. Whether in a clinical setting or an emergency field scenario, following these evidence-based techniques significantly improves patient safety and outcomes. Always prioritize minimizing movement of the spine until a full medical assessment can be performed by qualified professionals.