Kemp USA AB Adult Spineboard Field Manual: SOP for Land & Water Rescue

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Kemp USA AB Adult Spineboard Field Manual: SOP for Land & Water Rescue

Category: Manual Stretchers & Gurneys

Difficulty Level: Tier 4: Professional or Advanced Training Required

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Written by: Valerie Ellis Lavin

Quick Overview

The Kemp USA AB Adult Spineboard is a professional-grade patient immobilization and transfer device used by certified Fire-Rescue, EMS, Law Enforcement, and Search and Rescue personnel to prevent secondary spinal injury during extrication and transport from point of injury to definitive care.

The spineboard's single-piece High-Density Polyethylene shell with foam-filled core provides the structural rigidity required for full patient immobilization across both land and water operations. Its non-porous surface resists bodily fluids and supports rapid decontamination between deployments. The board's radiolucent construction allows it to remain in place during X-ray, MRI, and CT imaging, eliminating dangerous patient transfers during initial diagnostics and maintaining spinal precautions throughout.

On land, the board supports a load capacity of 700 lbs (317 kg), making it suitable for bariatric patients in motor vehicle collisions, industrial accidents, and fall scenarios. Twenty-one perimeter handholds enable ergonomic 2, 4, or 6-person carries from any angle, reducing patient drop risk and rescuer injury. Ten integrated strap attachment pins are Speed Clip compatible, allowing rapid, secure patient packaging in high-pressure field conditions.

In aquatic environments, the foam core provides positive buoyancy, but operators must account for the board's water float capacity of approximately 200 lbs (90 kg) total, including patient and all attached equipment. This capacity is frequently insufficient for large adults, requiring rescuers to provide supplemental manual support to maintain airway clearance. Strap and head block application is completed only after the patient is secured on a stable surface such as a pool deck or vessel.

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Field Application Steps

1. PREPARATION AND STAGING: Don appropriate BSI/PPE before approaching the patient. Bring the spineboard, head immobilizer, and complete strap set to the patient's side, and visually inspect the board for cracks, deep gouges, or structural deformation before deployment.

2. ESTABLISH MANUAL CERVICAL STABILIZATION: Position one rescuer at the patient's head to establish manual in-line cervical stabilization. This rescuer commands all patient movement for the duration of the packaging sequence.

3. CONDUCT PATIENT ASSESSMENT: Perform a primary assessment covering airway, breathing, and circulation, followed by a rapid trauma assessment. Do not move the patient until the assessment is complete and the packaging plan is confirmed.

4. POSITION THE BOARD: Place the spineboard parallel to the patient on the side designated by the lead rescuer. The board should be within reach for immediate patient transfer following the log-roll.

5. EXECUTE THE LOG-ROLL AND BOARD PLACEMENT: On the lead rescuer's command, perform a coordinated log-roll, rotating the patient just enough to slide the board underneath. Roll the patient back onto the center of the board and make minor adjustments to align the torso and head.

6. PAD VOIDS AND APPLY CERVICAL IMMOBILIZATION: Pad all natural voids in the lumbar and cervical regions to maintain neutral spinal alignment. Apply a properly sized cervical collar first, then attach head blocks per the manufacturer's instructions.

7. APPLY RESTRAINT STRAPS IN SEQUENCE: Secure Strap 1 across the upper torso and under the arms. Apply Strap 2 across the pelvis and hips. Apply Strap 3 across the legs, positioning above or below the knees depending on injury location. Straps must be snug but must not impair circulation or respiration.

8. CONDUCT POST-STRAPPING PMS CHECK: Reassess pulse, motor function, and sensory response in all extremities after strap application. Any deficit identified at this stage requires immediate strap adjustment and reassessment before transport.

9. EXECUTE PATIENT TRANSFER: On the lead rescuer's command, perform a coordinated lift using the perimeter handholds. Transfer the patient to the primary transport device, such as a wheeled ambulance cot, maintaining spinal precautions throughout.

10. WATER RESCUE VARIATION - BOARD ENTRY AND IN-WATER PACKAGING: In aquatic environments, bring the board directly to the patient in the water. Do not remove the patient from the water before immobilization. Maneuver the patient onto the board while both remain in the water, maintaining in-line stabilization throughout.

11. WATER RESCUE VARIATION - BUOYANCY ASSESSMENT AND FINAL SECURING: Once the patient is on the board in the water, immediately assess buoyancy. The board's float capacity of approximately 200 lbs (90 kg) includes the patient and all equipment, so rescuers must be prepared to provide manual support. Secure straps and head blocks only after the patient is on a stable surface such as a pool deck or boat.

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Equip Yourself: Kemp USA AB Adult Spineboard – High-Buoyancy - 700 lb Capacity

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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.