Kemp USA Folding Spineboard | Field Manual & SOP

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Kemp USA Folding Spineboard | 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

The Kemp USA Folding Spineboard is a full-length HDPE spinal immobilization platform that folds to half its deployed length, enabling trained emergency responders to provide rigid spinal immobilization and patient extraction in space-constrained operational environments including tactical vehicles, personal vehicles, and wilderness settings.

The board's center hinge mechanism is its defining capability. When fully extended and locked, it creates a single rigid plane functionally identical to a standard longboard, compatible with spider straps and cervical immobilization devices. The hinge lock must be confirmed both visually and physically before any patient is placed on the board, as a partially engaged hinge will collapse under load. This verification is a non-negotiable step in the deployment protocol.

Patient transfer and immobilization require a minimum of three trained responders, with one dedicated exclusively to maintaining manual c-spine stabilization throughout the procedure. Restraint straps are applied in a specific sequence: chest and upper torso first, then pelvis and hips, then legs. The head immobilizer is secured last. Following full immobilization, distal circulation, sensation, and motor function must be reassessed in all extremities before the patient is moved.

Sustainment of this equipment requires post-mission decontamination with medical-grade disinfectant, followed by structural inspection of the hinge, body, and handhold areas. The board is stored in its folded configuration and protected from prolonged UV exposure and chemical solvents, both of which degrade the HDPE material over time. Any board with deep structural damage is removed from service immediately and marked unserviceable.

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Field Application Steps

1. DON PPE AND ESTABLISH SCENE CONTROL: Don BSI and appropriate PPE before approaching the patient. Conduct a scene assessment and primary patient assessment to confirm spinal precautions are indicated.

2. ESTABLISH MANUAL C-SPINE STABILIZATION: Assign one responder to establish and maintain manual in-line cervical spine stabilization. This responder does not release c-spine control at any point during the procedure.

3. DEPLOY AND LOCK THE BOARD: Unfold the board completely until the center hinge locks with a distinct audible and tactile response. Visually inspect the hinge on both the top and bottom surfaces to confirm it is fully seated and flush.

4. PERFORM CRITICAL HINGE CHECK: Apply firm downward pressure to the center of the board to test for flex. If the hinge does not hold rigid under pressure, do not proceed. Stage compatible restraint straps and head immobilizer on or adjacent to the deployed board.

5. POSITION THE BOARD: Place the fully deployed board parallel to the patient on the side the team will roll toward. Confirm all responders are positioned at assigned handholds.

6. LOG-ROLL AND SLIDE: On the team leader's command, log-roll the patient away from the board just enough to slide the board underneath. On the next command, carefully roll the patient back onto the center of the spineboard.

7. CENTER THE PATIENT: Adjust the patient's position as a single unit to ensure proper centering on the board. No individual body segment is adjusted independently.

8. APPLY RESTRAINT STRAPS IN SEQUENCE: Secure the patient using the following order: chest and upper torso first, pelvis and hips second, legs third. This sequence prevents patient sliding if the board is tilted during extraction.

9. APPLY HEAD IMMOBILIZER: Secure the cervical immobilization device to lock the patient's head to the board. This is the final step in the strapping sequence. Manual c-spine stabilization is not released until the CID is fully secured.

10. REASSESS CSM: Assess distal circulation, sensation, and motor function in all four extremities following completed immobilization. Document and report any changes from baseline.

11. EXECUTE EXTRACTION: The team leader coordinates the lift, assigning one responder to each handhold. On the leader's command, the patient is lifted and moved as a single unit to the awaiting gurney or point of safety.

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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.