Spinal Immobilization

Terry O’Connor Indications: The risk, benefits, and latest evidence regarding the decision to perform spinal immobilization have been reviewed previously here. For review, we generally recommend a focused spinal assessment in making the decision to perform spinal immobilization. This helps to determine if spinal precautions, such as c-collar, head-blocks and a backboard are necessary for […]

Splinting Review

Terry O’Connor Extremity Splints: Principles of Splinting Visualize the injured body part. Continually recheck the patient’s neurovascular status. Traction is indicated if the pulse is not palpable. Gentle traction involves less than 10 lbs of force. Cover open wounds with sterile dressings. Immobilize the joints above and below the injury. Padding prevents further tissue damage. […]

#Wildmed fellow update

A 7.8 Mw earthquake struck the mountains of Nepal on April 25. I was fortunate to be able to join NYC Medics, a global disaster relief team, to provide care to those affected. We deployed 6 days later and was assigned to the remote region Jharlang. Despite arriving in the field more than a week […]