News from the State EMS Council (SEMSCO)

By EMS Coordinator Mike McEvoy, Ph.D., NRP, RN, CCRN
 NYSAFC EMS Committee

A lengthy discussion ensued following a presentation by the Spinal Immobilization TAG, which is charged with revising spinal immobilization and related protocols.

The TAG found current best practices and best available evidence conflict significantly with New York state protocols. It cited the National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP) and American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS-COT) position paper (click here to download) on spinal precautions and long backboards noting that cervical immobilization does not imply need for complete spinal immobilization; that a backboard is not an appropriate immobilization device; that requiring any collared patient to be secured to a long backboard (LBB) deviates from the current standard of care; and extensive overhauls are needed in the New York state protocols.

One member of the TAG stated that he personally would love to see standing takedown made a misdemeanor criminal offense in New York state. Based on the report, a TAG will be appointed to review the original TAG and report back at a future meeting. Yes, you read that correctly.

Look for more "News from the State EMS Council" in SIZE UP magazine Issue 4 • 2014, available in November.