Reducing Pain and Skin Breakdown from Spinal Immobilization Use of backboard padding and the Thomas Back Raft™

Skin Breakdown Patients may experience skin changes that lead to breakdown & pressure ulcers (bed sores) within 30 minutes of being on a backboard. Anywhere that boney prominences meet the board, skin breakdown can occur. Lhsc.on.ca

Padding Pressure points can be reduced by padding contact areas and distributing pressure by padding voids Padding examples: – Blankets – Towels – Egg crate material – Bubble wrap – Turley Backboard Pad – Thomas Back Raft™ – Vacuum splint backboard

Thomas Back Raft™ Air filled mattress that fills voids and relieves pressure Packaged as a non-reusable medical supply but many services reuse the device after cleaning Require a simple hand pump to inflate Backboards may be stored with a Back Raft already attached The Back Raft will not interfere with X-rays

Indications NCRTAC recommends that ALL patients placed on backboards have padding Padding such as the Back Raft are particularly helpful in elderly patients with less muscle mass and fatty tissue

Procedure Begin by placing the Back Raft on a backboard with lettering facing up and the narrow head portion of the Back Raft towards the top of the backboard Place the loops of material over and around the top of the board

Procedure Any head immobilization devices should be under the Back Raft Remove the backing from the tape at the bottom of the Back Raft and press the tape to the backboard

Procedure Move the patient to the backboard using a procedure that minimizes movement of the patient’s spine – Logroll – Scoop – Vertical lift – Standing Take-down

Procedure Inflate the Back Raft before securing the backboard straps – Attach pump to inflation port – Turn the valve at the top of the Back Raft to the OPEN position (the valve handle is PERPENDICULAR to the inflation port)

Procedure Inflation Continued – Inflate the Back Raft until the patient feels relief; you should see a slight elevation of their shoulders – Close the valve (the valve handle is PARALLEL to the inflation port) Secure the patient to the backboard using your usual strapping system

Procedure Monitor the patient’s condition enroute including: – ABCs – Vital signs – Pain relief – Inflation of the Back Raft (re-inflate as needed)

Product Endorsement NCRTAC does not endorse any particular commercial products but the Back Raft is a unique device that many providers in the region are familiar with – There are no other similar products known in its price range