Re: Rigid Spine Boards

[Mike Motti <mike.motti@searhc.org>]

We carry the Hartwell Adult, and Pediatric models on our F/W.  They do deflate at altitude because of the
pressure change.  Hartwell makes an adapter that fits on your suction unit, so you don't need the pump.
I have used them for about 10 years on ground ambulances, and mountain rescues, as well as on medevacs.
Leaks are rare in my experience, but if they do occur, a simple duct tape patch works.  Remember the air
is trying to seep in, as opposed to rush out like air splints, or PASG.  Another Pro is that they provide
more insulation from the ground than a wood or metal backboard.


Bruce Bowling wrote:

> This is an excellent product. Just three problems.  1)  Where do you store
> them in your rig or helicopter?  They are very bulky, and dependent on the
> vacuum pump, which itself is quite large.  2) I have never used one of these
> products that the valve does not leak.  Therefore, spend my patient care
> time constantly vacuuming them down.  3) Look at the trauma courses that we
> teach in the USA.  Neither PHTLS or BTLS advocate this product.  This does
> not make this product unsuitable, just not the standard of care in the USA.
>
>
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