Field Manual: Kemp USA Reflective 10-Point Spider Strap SOP

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Field Manual: Kemp USA Reflective 10-Point Spider Strap SOP

Category: Medical Stretchers & Gurneys

Difficulty Level: Tier 3: Field Competency Required

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Written by: Valerie Ellis Lavin

Quick Overview

The Kemp USA Reflective 10-Point Spider Strap is a single-piece pre-hospital immobilization harness used by EMS, fire-rescue, law enforcement, and search-and-rescue personnel to achieve rapid, non-circumferential full-body spinal immobilization onto a standard spineboard during extraction and transport.

The spider strap system secures the torso, pelvis, and lower extremities through a coordinated assembly of upper V-straps, a pelvic strap, and femur and tibia/fibula straps, all anchored to a main longitudinal trunk aligned with the patient's spine. Hook-and-loop fasteners throughout the system eliminate buckle threading, reducing on-scene packaging time compared to individual strap methods. An integrated reflective center strip sewn onto the longitudinal trunk enhances patient and rescuer conspicuity during nighttime or high-traffic operations.

Application follows the Center-Out Principle: torso first, then pelvis, then legs, with the head immobilized last using separate dedicated head blocks. The pelvic strap is applied across the iliac crests, not the abdomen, and chest straps must be tensioned to restrict movement without impeding chest wall expansion. A full CMS check covering circulation, motion, and sensation in all four extremities is required immediately after application and throughout transport.

This is a temporary pre-hospital device indicated for patients with suspected spinal, pelvic, or multi-system trauma requiring spinal motion restriction. It is not designed for long-term restraint. Readiness requires shift-level inspection of all webbing, stitching, and hook-and-loop adhesion, with immediate removal from service if any strap is frayed more than 10% of its width or fasteners fail to hold securely.

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Field Application Steps

1. PREPARATION AND STAGING: Retrieve the spider strap from its zippered storage case and unfold the harness completely. Conduct a rapid visual and tactile inspection for tangles, contamination, fraying, broken stitching, or compromised hook-and-loop adhesion before placing it into use.

2. PLACEMENT: Align the main longitudinal trunk with the patient's sternum and midline, with the reflective center strip centered on the patient's body. Position the top of the harness at shoulder level to ensure correct strap alignment across all body regions.

3. SECURE CHEST AND SHOULDERS: Drape the two upper V-straps over the patient's shoulders so they cross the chest in an X configuration centered on the sternum. Feed the strap ends through the spineboard handholds at a downward angle, pull taut, and secure each end to the corresponding loop fastener.

4. SECURE PELVIS: Apply the pelvic strap firmly across the iliac crests. Do not place it across the abdomen. Feed the strap ends through the spineboard handholds, eliminate all slack, and secure.

5. SECURE LEGS: Apply the upper leg strap across both femurs just above the knees. Apply the lower leg strap across both shins. Feed all ends through their corresponding spineboard handholds, pull taut, and secure.

6. FINAL TENSION CHECK: Conduct a systematic re-check of every strap in sequence. Each strap must be snug enough to prevent patient movement but must not impede chest wall expansion or act as a tourniquet on any extremity.

7. CMS ASSESSMENT: Perform a full CMS check covering circulation, motion, and sensation in all four extremities immediately after final tensioning. Document findings and reassess throughout transport, particularly over uneven terrain.

8. HEAD IMMOBILIZATION: Immobilize the head last using separate, dedicated head blocks. The spider strap system does not address cervical immobilization and is not a substitute for proper C-spine packaging components.

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Equip Yourself: Kemp USA Reflective 10-PT Patient Restraint Spineboard Straps with Case

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LEGAL DISCLAIMER & SAFETY WARNING:
The information provided in this Luminary Global Field Manual is strictly for educational and informational purposes. It is not a substitute for formal medical, tactical, or professional training. In the event of a medical emergency, immediately seek professional help or contact emergency services. Luminary Global assumes no liability for the misuse of equipment, improper application of techniques, or any injuries/damages resulting from the use of these guidelines. Always rely on your official agency training, local laws, and established protocols during a crisis.