Kemp USA KED Extrication Device: Field Manual & SOP

How to Guides - Product Field Manual SOPs - Luminary Global

Kemp USA KED Extrication Device: Field Manual & SOP

Category: Medical Stretchers & Gurneys

Difficulty Level: Tier 4: Professional or Advanced Training Required

Get the Complete Field Manual

Download the official step-by-step PDF guide.

📥 Download PDF Guide

Written by: Valerie Ellis Lavin

Quick Overview

The Kendrick Extrication Device (KED) is a semi-rigid wrap-around vest used by trained professional rescuers to immobilize the head, neck, and torso as a single unit during seated-patient spinal extrication in vehicle, confined space, and search and rescue operations.

The KED is purpose-built for the seated-to-supine patient transfer, a high-risk movement requiring full cervical and thoracic spinal control before the patient contacts a longboard. The device achieves this through a bamboo-reinforced nylon vest, an adjustable cervical neck roll, three color-coded torso straps, two leg straps, and two head straps. Each component serves a defined mechanical function, and the color-coded strap system enforces a mandatory application sequence to prevent vertical patient shifting during rotation and lift.

Application follows a six-phase protocol: manual stabilization, device placement, torso securing, leg strap routing, head and neck immobilization, and transfer to a longboard. The torso strap sequence follows the mnemonic "My Baby Looks Hot Tonight," corresponding to Middle (green), Bottom (yellow), and Top (red), applied in that order. Head straps are applied last, chin strap before forehead strap, and manual stabilization is not released until the team leader physically confirms the device is immobile.

The KED is contraindicated for critically unstable patients requiring rapid extrication. Cardiac arrest, unmanageable airway, and severe hemorrhage mandate immediate longboard transfer. The device is designed for average adult sizing, and bariatric or pediatric patients may require an alternative extrication plan with supplemental padding or a different protocol entirely.

Field Application Steps

1. ESTABLISH MANUAL IN-LINE STABILIZATION: Rescuer 1 takes a position behind or beside the patient and establishes continuous manual in-line cervical stabilization. Do not relinquish this hold for any reason until the patient's head is fully secured to the device.

2. PREPARE THE KED FOR DEPLOYMENT: Rescuer 2 retrieves the KED from its carrying case, unrolls the vest, and pre-positions the head straps over the top of the device to prevent entrapment during placement.

3. PLACE THE DEVICE BEHIND THE PATIENT: Carefully slide the flat KED between the patient's back and the seat, minimizing all patient movement. Center the device on the spine with the top of the vest level with the top of the patient's head, then wrap the side flaps snugly around the torso beneath the arms.

4. APPLY TORSO STRAPS IN SEQUENCE: Secure torso straps in the order dictated by the mnemonic "My Baby Looks Hot Tonight": Middle (green) first to anchor the device, Bottom (yellow) second to secure the lower torso, Top (red) third after instructing the patient to take a full breath before final tightening. All straps must be snug without restricting ventilation.

5. ROUTE AND SECURE LEG STRAPS: Route each black leg strap under the corresponding thigh from the outside, bring it up between the legs, and fasten it to the buckle on the same side. Tighten until snug in the groin area. Do not overtighten.

6. FILL VOIDS AND IMMOBILIZE THE HEAD: Insert the neck roll and any supplemental padding to eliminate all gaps between the patient's cervical spine and the device. The head must rest in a neutral, in-line position with zero gaps present.

7. APPLY HEAD STRAPS IN SEQUENCE: Apply the chin strap first, snug but not airway-compromising, then apply the forehead strap second and tighten firmly. The team leader physically checks the device for movement before manual stabilization is released.

8. EXECUTE EXTRICATION AND TRANSFER: Pivot, rotate, and lift the patient as a single packaged unit onto a long spineboard. Once the patient is supine on the board, loosen or release the leg straps to facilitate assessment and further treatment.

Equip Yourself: Kemp USA KED Extrication Device – Spinal Immobilization Vest

Ensure you have the right gear before an emergency strikes.

View Product

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.