What device is used to immobilize and support a patient's head and neck during rescue?

What device is used to immobilize and support a patient's head and neck during rescue?

• A. Spine board
• B. C-collar
• C. Floating stoke-type litter
• D. Reeves sleeve

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is a C-collar, which stands for cervical collar. This device is specifically designed to immobilize and support a patient’s head and neck, particularly in instances of suspected spinal injuries. It helps prevent further injury by restricting movement and providing stability. The C-collar is adjustable to fit different neck sizes and is crucial in maintaining the aligned position of the spine during transport or rescue operations. While a spine board is also used in spinal immobilization, its primary function is to provide a rigid surface for transporting patients rather than specifically supporting the head and neck. The floating stoke-type litter is designed for transporting patients over water, but it does not offer targeted support for head and neck immobilization. The Reeves sleeve is a flexible device used for transporting patients, but like the litter, it does not primarily address head and neck support, making it less suitable for this specific purpose compared to the C-collar.

The correct answer is a C-collar, which stands for cervical collar. This device is specifically designed to immobilize and support a patient’s head and neck, particularly in instances of suspected spinal injuries. It helps prevent further injury by restricting movement and providing stability. The C-collar is adjustable to fit different neck sizes and is crucial in maintaining the aligned position of the spine during transport or rescue operations.

While a spine board is also used in spinal immobilization, its primary function is to provide a rigid surface for transporting patients rather than specifically supporting the head and neck. The floating stoke-type litter is designed for transporting patients over water, but it does not offer targeted support for head and neck immobilization. The Reeves sleeve is a flexible device used for transporting patients, but like the litter, it does not primarily address head and neck support, making it less suitable for this specific purpose compared to the C-collar.