SOP Field Manual: Kemp USA Universal Head Immobilizer Replacement Base Plate

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SOP Field Manual: Kemp USA Universal Head Immobilizer Replacement Base Plate

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 Universal Head Immobilizer Replacement Base Plate is a radiolucent, vinyl-coated nylon platform used by trained EMS, fire-rescue, and patient transport personnel to anchor compatible head blocks to a spineboard or scoop stretcher during cervical spine motion restriction protocols.

The base plate serves as the foundational component of a complete SMR system, providing a secure, padded, and fluid-resistant surface that maintains neutral, in-line stabilization of the patient's head and cervical spine. Measuring 16.75 inches by 10 inches, it is sized to fit standard spineboard head-wells and attaches via two integrated nylon webbing straps routed through the board's handholds. Its hook-and-loop landing strips allow precise, adjustable placement of head blocks to accommodate varying patient head sizes. The device contains no metal components, making it fully radiolucent and safe for use across X-ray, MRI, and CT imaging without breaking the chain of immobilization.

This product is a replacement part, not a standalone immobilization device. It is non-functional without compatible head blocks and head and chin straps, and operators must verify hook-and-loop compatibility with third-party head blocks before placing the system into operational service. Hook-and-loop adhesion can be degraded by contamination from blood, mud, or debris, requiring surface cleaning prior to block application in field conditions.

Pre-deployment inspection is a mandatory readiness step. Operators must confirm that attachment straps show no fraying or degradation, that hook-and-loop surfaces retain strong adhesion, and that the vinyl body is free of rips or punctures that would compromise decontamination integrity. Any component failing these criteria requires immediate removal from service.

Field Application Steps

1. PRE-DEPLOYMENT INSPECTION: Visually and physically inspect the base plate before each use. Confirm attachment straps show no fraying or chemical degradation, hook-and-loop landing strips are clean and adhesive, and the vinyl surface has no rips, tears, or punctures.

2. POSITION THE SPINEBOARD: Place the long spineboard parallel to the patient on a stable surface. Ensure the head-end of the board is accessible and unobstructed for base plate mounting.

3. CENTER THE BASE PLATE: Set the base plate at the head of the spineboard, aligning it centered along the board's longitudinal axis to ensure symmetrical head support during immobilization.

4. SECURE ATTACHMENT STRAPS: Retrieve both nylon webbing straps from the underside of the base plate. Route each strap down through the nearest handhold or slot on the spineboard, bring each strap back up along the outside of the board, and fasten each to its corresponding connection point.

5. VERIFY ZERO MOVEMENT: Pull both straps tight to eliminate all slack. Attempt to manually slide the base plate in all directions. There must be no movement before proceeding.

6. TRANSFER THE PATIENT: Following established agency log-roll protocol, transfer the patient onto the spineboard with one rescuer maintaining dedicated manual in-line stabilization of the head and neck throughout the move.

7. POSITION THE HEAD: Gently center the patient's head on the base plate. The head must rest in a neutral, in-line position relative to the spine with no lateral deviation.

8. APPLY HEAD BLOCKS: Place one compatible head block firmly against each side of the patient's head, pressing each block squarely onto the hook-and-loop landing strips. Blocks must be snug against the patient's head with no gap.

9. APPLY HEAD AND CHIN STRAPS: Secure the head and chin straps over the blocks per the strap manufacturer's instructions. Confirm the chin strap does not obstruct the airway or impede vomit clearance.

10. FINAL CONFIRMATION: Re-assess airway, breathing, and circulation. Verbally confirm with the rescuer holding manual stabilization that the system is fully secure before hands are released. Verify neutral in-line head position and check all strap tension prior to transport.

Equip Yourself: Kemp USA Replacement Head Immobilizer Base Plate – Universal & X-Ray Safe

Ensure you have the right gear before an emergency strikes.

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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.