Pediatric Trauma - Management of the Pediatric Trauma Patient
Spinal Injury
Place the child on a rigid spinal immobilization device (long backboard) after the primary survey is complete
Assess the back of the child prior to securing the child to a long board
Use a specially designed pediatric backboard - if not available, place the child on an adult backboard and use filler pads and filler material as needed
A long backboard also serves as a full body splint where time does not allow for splinting of individual extremities
Keep the child warm and reassess for any neurologic deficit