Kemp USA Pediatric Head Immobilizer: Field Manual & SOP

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Kemp USA Pediatric Head Immobilizer: Field Manual & SOP

Category: Medical 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 Pediatric Head Immobilizer is a professional-grade spinal motion restriction device used by trained emergency medical personnel to minimize lateral head movement and protect the cervical spine of pediatric patients during extrication, packaging, and transport.

The immobilizer is engineered specifically for pediatric anatomy, accounting for the proportionally larger occiput and smaller head circumference of infants and children. It functions as one component of a complete spinal motion restriction system, requiring deployment alongside an appropriately sized cervical collar and a compatible pediatric spineboard. The system is radiolucent, meaning it does not interfere with X-ray, MRI, or CT imaging, replacing improvised methods such as towel rolls and tape with a standardized, field-ready protocol.

The system consists of three core components: a Pediatric Base Plate that affixes to the spineboard via integrated hook-and-loop straps, two contoured vinyl-coated foam Head Blocks that press against the sides of the patient's head to resist lateral movement, and two nylon head and chin straps that secure the forehead and mandible in sequence. The forehead strap is always applied first, positioned just above the eyebrows. The chin strap follows, applied over the rigid cervical collar without restricting the patient's airway or ability to open their mouth.

Post-immobilization protocol requires reassessment of ABCs and distal neurovascular status in all four extremities. Operators must also assess whether torso padding is needed to achieve neutral spinal alignment, as a child's large occiput can induce neck flexion when the patient is positioned flat on a spineboard without compensation.

Field Application Steps

1. ESTABLISH MANUAL IN-LINE STABILIZATION: Assign one provider to immediately hold the patient's head and neck in a neutral, in-line position. This provider maintains manual stabilization throughout all subsequent steps until mechanical immobilization is fully secured.

2. APPLY CERVICAL COLLAR: Assess the patient and apply a correctly sized pediatric cervical collar before any immobilizer components are introduced. This is a mandatory prerequisite and the immobilizer cannot function as intended without it.

3. TRANSFER PATIENT TO SPINEBOARD: Using a log-roll or agency-approved technique, move the patient onto a compatible pediatric spineboard. The provider maintaining manual stabilization calls all movement commands.

4. POSITION AND SECURE THE BASE PLATE: Slide the Pediatric Base Plate under the patient's head and center it on the spineboard. Secure the Base Plate using the integrated hook-and-loop straps on the underside, confirming it does not shift under load.

5. ASSESS FOR TORSO PADDING: Evaluate the patient's spinal alignment. If the child's occiput is causing neck flexion, place padding under the torso from shoulders to hips to achieve a neutral, in-line spinal position before proceeding.

6. PLACE HEAD BLOCKS: Bring both contoured foam Head Blocks in simultaneously from each side of the patient's head. Press each block firmly onto the Base Plate hook-and-loop surface until contact is made with the ears and the mandible and mastoid process area, with no significant gaps between the blocks and the head.

7. APPLY FOREHEAD STRAP FIRST: Route the forehead strap across the patient's forehead just above the eyebrows. Secure it to the Head Blocks using the hook-and-loop attachment, firm enough to prevent anterior movement but not constrictive.

8. APPLY CHIN STRAP SECOND: Route the chin strap across the patient's chin and mandible, positioning it over the rigid cervical collar. Confirm the strap does not apply pressure to the soft tissue of the neck and does not restrict the patient's ability to open their mouth.

9. SECURE TORSO AND LIMBS: Secure the patient's torso, pelvis, and extremities to the spineboard per local protocol. The head immobilizer must be fully secured before body straps are applied to prevent pivoting around an unsecured axis.

10. CONDUCT FINAL REASSESSMENT: Reassess airway, breathing, and circulation. Evaluate distal neurovascular status, including pulse, motor function, and sensory response, in all four extremities. Document findings and continue monitoring throughout transport.

Equip Yourself: Kemp USA Pediatric Head Immobilizer – Spinal Stabilization System

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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.