Abstract:
Background. The cervical collar is a standard component in the initial management of polytrauma patients, intended to prevent secondary spinal cord injuries. However, its use
must be clinically justified to avoid unnecessary immobilization. This applies during the
primary exam in stage A within the ABCDE approach.
Objective(s). Justification for the use of cervical collars in traumatized patients during the
primary examination in the prehospital stage and in the ED, to avoid possible secondary
complications.
Materials and methods. The prospective study was conducted between 01.01.24 and
31.12.24, and included 190 traumatized patients, clinically and paraclinically approached in
the ED in the red, yellow, and blue zones. The clinical criteria and the mechanism of trauma
for the application of the cervical collar. The data were statistically and analytically
processed.
Results. In 2024, in the ED, 190 traumatized patients transported by the 112-service
benefited from qualified medical assistance: in the red zone 31,57% subjects, in the yellow
zone 49,99%, in the blue zone 18,42%. Patients transported with a cervical immobilization
constituted 57,89%, and without cervical immobilization 42,11%. Men were 68,42%, and
women 31,58%. The average estimated age was 43,6±17,2 years. Mechanism of trauma: in
55,79% - road accidents, catatrauma 24,74%, physical aggression 11,58%, unknown causes
7,89% cases. In 80% cervical trauma was confirmed, and in 20% of cases, this trauma and
secondary spinal cord injuries were excluded.
Conclusion(s). The use of a cervicostat remains essential in most cases of polytrauma, and
rational application, guided by validated clinical criteria and the mechanism of trauma, can
improve patient comfort, reduce complications, and optimize resource utilization in
emergency departments.
