Backrafts, anyone using these???

[firefighterbeau]

Since the search wouldn't work for me, I figured I would just start a thread. Does anyone use these backrafts? Inflatable padding that you attach to a backboard. Our medical director is really a big believer in them and we have medics that take them off the backboards when me and my partner put them on. Just wondering what other protocols say, and some opinions?

[bugglef]

Never heard of them how do they work and what do they look like?
Bugglef

[firefighterbeau]

here is one place that sells them, http://www.buyemp.com/product/1051701.html

it just gets taped to the back board, and after your patient is laying on it, you hook up a little hand pump and fill it with air until the patient says there comfortable.

[bugglef]

Great thanks for the info.
Bugglef

[flightmedic9]

I don't see why you would need one. Current research shows that there is no need for the patient to stay on the board in the ER. It is strictly for immobilization during transport. Where I work as soon as we get the patient to the ER we usually help the RN's roll the patient and take the backboard out. Leaving the patient on the board can lead to compression type injuries to the soft tissue and ulcers.

[mcaldwell]

I don't see why you would need one. Current research shows that there is no need for the patient to stay on the board in the ER. It is strictly for immobilization during transport. Where I work as soon as we get the patient to the ER we usually help the RN's roll the patient and take the backboard out. Leaving the patient on the board can lead to compression type injuries to the soft tissue and ulcers.

There is what SHOULD happen, and there is what DOES happen. ;)

Out here in the sticks, pt's often spend 4-6 hours on a board while being assessed and then transported to a regional trauma center. Small town docs are afraid to remove them if there is real evidence of spinal or even just skeletal damage.

I don't know if I like the cost or fuss of those, but hey, what ever works for your service. We just use contoured boards, or scoops, and they are a world of improvement in pt comfort over traditional flat boards. :)

[EMT257]

Disposable at that price?

Unfortunatly, cost is always a concern and money isn't disposable.

One of those nice soft blankets that float around from linen supply companies work just fine.

[croaker260]

we have used them for about 1-2 years now. Our protocols dont mandate them, just strongly encourage them, but I would say they are used on 80-90% on our boarded patients.

Yes they are "disposable" although unless they get spooged we can usually get 2-5 patient uses from them. We disinfect them with the sani wipes of course.

Generally peaking...we love them. They definitly improve patient comfort during transport and they meet the "pad the voids" requirement. They only take 30 seconds to apply, but you have to apply it before your board of course.

And Yes we tranport to hospitals that are usually pretty good about getting patients off the board with in 30 minutes of arrival (benchmark) , typically with in 10 minutes in reality. And yes we have some short transport times. I would still recomend them, especially for the elderly, but for all patients you board. Especialy if you dont do SSI.

Again, let me stress, they are a huge improvement in comfort...and I am unaware of any stage 1 or stage 2 DQ's that we have had with them. Even with our SSI protocol we still use these a fair anmmount.

Finally, we get them for somewhat less than the posted price. About 12-14 dollars I think. SO remember that the retail price is only what you pay of you dont buy bulk and you dont ask to pay less as a service.