Spine board or Vacmat?

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Permalink Reply by Scott Bendixen on November 7, 2009 at 11:18am

i've never used a vac. matt. does it work pretty good?

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Permalink Reply by John on November 7, 2009 at 8:32pm

Flying airevac in the air force, we use them. They are great, very comfortable for the patient and provide total immobilization when securing the spine. If we could get these on our trucks on the streets, it would make a huge difference, especially with older patients.

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Permalink Reply by Ben Waller on November 7, 2009 at 8:34pm

I've used vac mats, and the ones I've seen just don't stand up to field use. Flying in an aircraft is one thing. Getting dragged over windshield glass and construction debris or being soaked in spilled gasoline and battery acid is an entirely different proposition.

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Permalink Reply by Jonathan Gilliam on November 8, 2009 at 1:40am

Sounds like maybe there's an opportunity for some re-engineering to improve vacum mats. I know they offer immobilization of the patient that is superior to a standard long backboard, as well as decreased risk of pressure ulcers from prolonged immobilization. They also do not cause discomfort that was not present before the injury, so when the patient is assessed in the hospital they only complain of the pain from thier injuries, not from being on a hard board for 20-30 minutes. If there is one that's durable for EMS use, I'd love to have it for our service.

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Permalink Reply by TheCannulator on November 8, 2009 at 4:19am

The vacuum mattress is better at anatomical support than a rigid board especially with the prevention of pressure areas. However their cost is ludicrous. It would be great to the milspec units for day to day use.

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Permalink Reply by Ben Waller on November 8, 2009 at 9:56am

The vac mats are way more comfortable than spineboards and they help prevent pressure sores and spineboard-induced back pain and paraesthesias.

Here's the one I'd buy...

1) Affordable
2) Tough enough to last through several years of MVCs and construction accidents
3) Non-absorbent of liquids, including biohazards, flammables, corrosives, and poisons
4) Stores compactly
5) Light weight for hikes to patients in remote areas
6) Field repairable so that one pinhole wouldn't take it out of service
7) An optional rigid backplate for moving patients from vehicles or confined spaces with prior to applying the vacuum.

The ones I've seen are none of the above except for partial compliance with 3.

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Permalink Reply by Rafael Paul C. Doma on November 8, 2009 at 10:45am

yah, ive used it already.. its pretty good.. just want to know and learn from the experts.. tnx

Scott Bendixen said:

i've never used a vac. matt. does it work pretty good?

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Permalink Reply by Rafael Paul C. Doma on November 8, 2009 at 10:45am

tnx sir john..

John said:

Flying airevac in the air force, we use them. They are great, very comfortable for the patient and provide total immobilization when securing the spine. If we could get these on our trucks on the streets, it would make a huge difference, especially with older patients.

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Permalink Reply by Rafael Paul C. Doma on November 8, 2009 at 10:46am

Tnx for the tip...

Jonathan Gilliam said:

Sounds like maybe there's an opportunity for some re-engineering to improve vacum mats. I know they offer immobilization of the patient that is superior to a standard long backboard, as well as decreased risk of pressure ulcers from prolonged immobilization. They also do not cause discomfort that was not present before the injury, so when the patient is assessed in the hospital they only complain of the pain from thier injuries, not from being on a hard board for 20-30 minutes. If there is one that's durable for EMS use, I'd love to have it for our service.

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Permalink Reply by Rafael Paul C. Doma on November 8, 2009 at 10:47am

tnx.. will keep thse in mind, always..

Ben Waller said:

The vac mats are way more comfortable than spineboards and they help prevent pressure sores and spineboard-induced back pain and paraesthesias.

Here's the one I'd buy...

1) Affordable
2) Tough enough to last through several years of MVCs and construction accidents
3) Non-absorbent of liquids, including biohazards, flammables, corrosives, and poisons
4) Stores compactly
5) Light weight for hikes to patients in remote areas
6) Field repairable so that one pinhole wouldn't take it out of service
7) An optional rigid backplate for moving patients from vehicles or confined spaces with prior to applying the vacuum.

The ones I've seen are none of the above except for partial compliance with 3.

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Permalink Reply by Tracy on November 9, 2009 at 4:06am

Short answer, for MVA's and other situations where extrication is required I use a regular spine board. For back-country calls with a long transport time I use the mattress. Side note, the mattress is worth its weight in gold for those situations where it is needed. I can't see myself living without at least having the option to use it.

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Permalink Reply by Chance Gearheart on November 14, 2009 at 3:28am

I haven't used a vacmat, but I love vacuum splints. Unfortunately, the vac splints are incredibly expensive if they need to be replaced - and I've actually stood there with my mouth gaping open as a Trauma resident cut through my vac splint. Spine boards can work effectively if you take the time and Pad for your patients, rather than just trying to fit them to the board like I see so many people do.

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