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2015 Spinal Motion Restriction Update

posted Oct 27, 2015, 1:33 PM by Andrew Steel
To: All WREMAC Hospitals, REMSCO’s, County EMS Coordinators, EMS Agencies & Providers
From: Brian M. Walters, DO, FACEP, FAAEM WREMAC Chairman
Date: October 27, 2015
RE: 2015 Spinal Motion Restriction Update

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Instructions to complete the 2015 BLS Update
Overview 

The NYS BLS T-8 protocol – Suspected Spinal Injury protocol has been modified. This change will bring current the best practices of spinal injury care for ALL levels of EMS in NYS.  The purpose of this document is to provide guidance and resources to allow all providers to understand the protocol changes and how this will affect patient treatment.

Objectives

  • To update every EMT in our region on the T-8 protocol changes.
  • Discuss the changes to the protocol
  • Overview of the research and “Why?” this protocol was changed
  • Detail the process in which you will use the protocol. This will include questions about patient assessment, when to use a cervical collar and what is appropriate for patient movement/extrication
  • Common scenarios/demonstrations
  • Frequently asked questions
Activities you MUST complete: 
Completion of BOTH sections below for WREMAC providers
​                                                                                                   
​​1. NYS BEMS Webinar & Test

You may accomplish this as an individual or as a group (preferred). 
2. Skills component
     Providers must complete ONE of the following didactic components (option A or B):
​
A.) A didactic discussion may be presented to the agency by an approved training preceptor (CIC, CLI, WREMAC preceptor) or your medical director in a live format. 

  • This didactic component may be accomplished through utilizing the NYS BEMS skills sheets, a presentation approved by your medical director covering the topics listed below, or the WREMAC approved training lecture.  Approved training preceptors may obtain that lecture with permission to present it by contacting their program agency.

  • The clinical portion of this training should focus on:
    • Identifying suspected spinal injuries using the 2015 T-8 protocol
    • Movement/extrication devices that can be used (top deck, scoop, canvas, etc.) 
    • Alternative uses of the long spine board for extrication

  • There are no REQUIRED skills sheets or “check offs”.  The ones you may have seen from the BEMS are a reference and were not intended to be evaluation tools and are not mandatory. Since this is not a new skill, there is no change in your scope of practice.
B.) Agencies may as a group view the Spinal Motion Restriction Powerpoint Presentation (narrated by Dr. Bart) AND the Spinal Motion Restriction Video demonstrating common scenarios providers may encounter. 

  • These are intended to be accomplished in a group setting at an agency training session, but will allow an agency to complete the requirement without necessitating a CIC, CLI or preceptor.
​
  • There are no REQUIRED skills sheets or “check offs”.  The ones you may have seen from the BEMS are a reference and were not intended to be evaluation tools and are not mandatory. Since this is not a new skill, there is no change in your scope of practice.
 
It is the responsibility of each agency to maintain a roster of providers who have completed the didactic component, regardless of which option was chosen.  

 ​NYS BEMS has set a deadline for implementation of October 31, 2015. It is expected that providers register, take and pass the online test by that date.

WREMAC recognizes that is will not be possible to complete all of the psychomotor requirements by the BEMS deadline.  The WREMAC strongly encourages each agency to complete this as soon as possible.  The WREMAC deadline for completion of the above is December 31, 2015. 

Agencies should make it a priority that their providers have plans to meet these requirements before shifting to the new T-8 protocol. ALL providers will be using the new protocol and are expected to understand the changes and new standards by the deadlines.   
Additional resource materials:

A Combination of resources from UB|MD EMS, WREMAC and the NYS BEMS
 For their efforts in producing the Spinal Motion Restriction Video for the benefit of our providers, the WREMAC would like to especially thank the:
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2015 Spinal Motion Restriction Update.pdf
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Andrew Steel,
Oct 27, 2015, 1:33 PM
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