The lateral trauma position: What do we know about it and how do we use it? A cross-sectional survey of all Norwegian emergency medical services

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Trauma patients are customarily transported in the supine position to protect the spine. The Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure (ABCDE) principles clearly give priority to airways. In Norway, the lateral trauma...

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Main Authors: Ekås Guri R, Fattah Sabina, Hyldmo Per Kristian, Wisborg Torben
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2011-08-01
Series:Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine
Online Access:http://www.sjtrem.com/content/19/1/45
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author Ekås Guri R
Fattah Sabina
Hyldmo Per Kristian
Wisborg Torben
author_facet Ekås Guri R
Fattah Sabina
Hyldmo Per Kristian
Wisborg Torben
author_sort Ekås Guri R
collection DOAJ
description <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Trauma patients are customarily transported in the supine position to protect the spine. The Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure (ABCDE) principles clearly give priority to airways. In Norway, the lateral trauma position (LTP) was introduced in 2005. We investigated the implementation and current use of LTP in Norwegian Emergency Medical Services (EMS).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>All ground and air EMS bases in Norway were included. Interviews were performed with ground and air EMS supervisors. Questionnaires were distributed to ground EMS personnel.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of 206 ground EMS supervisors, 201 answered; 75% reported that LTP is used. In services using LTP, written protocols were present in 67% and 73% had provided training in LTP use. Questionnaires were distributed to 3,025 ground EMS personnel. We received 1,395 (46%) valid questionnaires. LTP was known to 89% of respondents, but only 59% stated that they use it. Of the respondents using LTP, 77% reported access to written protocols. Flexing of the top knee was reported by 78%, 20% flexed the bottom knee, 81% used under head padding. Of 24 air EMS supervisors, 23 participated. LTP is used by 52% of the services, one of these has a written protocol and three arrange training.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>LTP is implemented and used in the majority of Norwegian EMS, despite little evidence as to its possible benefits and harms. How the patient is positioned in the LTP differs. More research on LTP is needed to confirm that its use is based on evidence that it is safe and effective.</p>
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spelling doaj.art-9b969095e5594ff7905f76dee220f8302022-12-21T22:02:15ZengBMCScandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine1757-72412011-08-011914510.1186/1757-7241-19-45The lateral trauma position: What do we know about it and how do we use it? A cross-sectional survey of all Norwegian emergency medical servicesEkås Guri RFattah SabinaHyldmo Per KristianWisborg Torben<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Trauma patients are customarily transported in the supine position to protect the spine. The Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure (ABCDE) principles clearly give priority to airways. In Norway, the lateral trauma position (LTP) was introduced in 2005. We investigated the implementation and current use of LTP in Norwegian Emergency Medical Services (EMS).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>All ground and air EMS bases in Norway were included. Interviews were performed with ground and air EMS supervisors. Questionnaires were distributed to ground EMS personnel.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of 206 ground EMS supervisors, 201 answered; 75% reported that LTP is used. In services using LTP, written protocols were present in 67% and 73% had provided training in LTP use. Questionnaires were distributed to 3,025 ground EMS personnel. We received 1,395 (46%) valid questionnaires. LTP was known to 89% of respondents, but only 59% stated that they use it. Of the respondents using LTP, 77% reported access to written protocols. Flexing of the top knee was reported by 78%, 20% flexed the bottom knee, 81% used under head padding. Of 24 air EMS supervisors, 23 participated. LTP is used by 52% of the services, one of these has a written protocol and three arrange training.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>LTP is implemented and used in the majority of Norwegian EMS, despite little evidence as to its possible benefits and harms. How the patient is positioned in the LTP differs. More research on LTP is needed to confirm that its use is based on evidence that it is safe and effective.</p>http://www.sjtrem.com/content/19/1/45
spellingShingle Ekås Guri R
Fattah Sabina
Hyldmo Per Kristian
Wisborg Torben
The lateral trauma position: What do we know about it and how do we use it? A cross-sectional survey of all Norwegian emergency medical services
Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine
title The lateral trauma position: What do we know about it and how do we use it? A cross-sectional survey of all Norwegian emergency medical services
title_full The lateral trauma position: What do we know about it and how do we use it? A cross-sectional survey of all Norwegian emergency medical services
title_fullStr The lateral trauma position: What do we know about it and how do we use it? A cross-sectional survey of all Norwegian emergency medical services
title_full_unstemmed The lateral trauma position: What do we know about it and how do we use it? A cross-sectional survey of all Norwegian emergency medical services
title_short The lateral trauma position: What do we know about it and how do we use it? A cross-sectional survey of all Norwegian emergency medical services
title_sort lateral trauma position what do we know about it and how do we use it a cross sectional survey of all norwegian emergency medical services
url http://www.sjtrem.com/content/19/1/45
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