Kemp USA 3-Piece Spineboard Strap Set Field Manual & SOP

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Kemp USA 3-Piece Spineboard Strap Set Field Manual & SOP

Category: Manual Stretchers & Gurneys

Difficulty Level: Tier 3: Field Competency Required

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Written by: Valerie Ellis Lavin

Quick Overview

A spineboard hook and loop strap set is a three-piece secondary securement system used by trained emergency responders to restrict spinal motion and stabilize patients on a rigid spineboard during extraction and transport.

The Luminary hook and loop strap set consists of three 72-inch straps constructed from 2-inch nylon webbing, each fastened via a buckle-free hook and loop closure. The buckle-free design provides infinite adjustability and allows for rapid application by operators wearing heavy gloves in cold weather, making it a reliable option across aquatic, MCI, radiological imaging, and cold-weather deployments. The absence of metal components eliminates corrosion risk in saltwater environments and minimizes imaging artifact during X-ray, CT, or MRI procedures.

Deployment follows the center-out principle: the chest strap is applied first, just below the armpits with arms secured inside, followed by the hip strap across the bony iliac crests, then the leg strap just above the knees. Proper tension is achieved by pulling the free-running end medially, never upward, to cinch the patient to the board without vertical spinal shifting. Post-application checks must confirm chest rise, pelvic stability, and distal circulation at the pedal pulses.

These straps are a component of a complete spinal motion restriction protocol and do not constitute adequate SMR on their own. Hook and loop closure effectiveness degrades significantly when surfaces are contaminated with mud, sand, grime, or frozen material, requiring pre-application inspection in field environments. The 72-inch length may be insufficient for larger patients or non-standard strap configurations, and over-tensioning can restrict respiration or compromise distal circulation.

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Field Application Steps

1. ASSESS READINESS: Inspect each strap before deployment. Check the full length of the 2-inch nylon webbing for cuts, frays, or chemical degradation, and verify closure integrity by pressing the hook and loop surfaces together and pulling apart. If the closure releases with minimal resistance, remove the strap from service immediately.

2. PRE-POSITION STRAPS ON THE BOARD: Before the patient is placed, lay the three straps across the spineboard at approximate chest, hip, and leg locations. Feed each strap through the board's handholds flat and untwisted, positioning the bulk on one side with just enough free-running length on the other side to apply tension and secure.

3. CONFIRM MANUAL C-SPINE STABILIZATION IS MAINTAINED: Before applying any strap, verify that a dedicated provider is maintaining manual cervical spine stabilization. Strap application must not interrupt or replace manual C-spine control at any point during the sequence.

4. APPLY CHEST STRAP FIRST: Position the chest strap high on the chest, just below the armpits, with the patient's arms secured inside the strap. Pull the free-running end medially, not upward, and press the hook surface onto the loop surface along the entire contact length. Confirm the strap is snug but allows full chest rise by verifying two fingers slide between the strap and the patient.

5. APPLY HIP STRAP SECOND: Position the hip strap across the bony iliac crests. Do not place it over the soft abdomen. Apply firm medial tension and secure the hook and loop closure. Confirm there is no lateral pelvic movement on the board.

6. APPLY LEG STRAP THIRD: Position the leg strap just above the knees with the legs together. If significant lower leg trauma is present, apply a second strap above the ankles. Apply tension to secure the legs together and to the board.

7. CONDUCT POST-APPLICATION ASSESSMENT: After all three straps are secured, assess patient breathing and confirm adequate chest rise. Check pedal pulses bilaterally to confirm distal circulation is not compromised. Continue reassessment throughout transport.

8. EXECUTE RAPID RELEASE WHEN REQUIRED: Grasp the free-running end of the target strap and pull away from the patient in a single, rapid motion. The hook and loop closure will disengage immediately without requiring buckle manipulation.

9. DECONTAMINATE AND INSPECT POST-USE: Remove gross contamination with a gloved hand or disposable towel. Clean with soap and water or an approved hospital-grade disinfectant compatible with nylon, scrub the hook side with a stiff brush, rinse thoroughly, and air dry completely before storage. Do not apply high heat, as it will damage the nylon webbing and closure adhesive.

10. STORE FOR RAPID REDEPLOYMENT: Roll each strap individually from one end to the other and secure by pressing the last few inches of hook and loop onto itself. Store in a clean, dry location protected from direct sunlight to maintain closure integrity and webbing condition.

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Equip Yourself: Kemp USA 3-Piece Hook & Loop Spineboard Strap Set – Fast-Stick Immobilization

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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.