Care and Transport of Injured Participants with Potential Spine Injuries from Ice Rinks

Abstract

In this paper the safety issues involving the proper immobilization of the cervical spine and the transfer mechanisms necessary to secure an injured athlete prior to moving them off the ice are reviewed. It is recommended that the helmet be left on during this process to provide stability to the cervical spine. All medical teams which care for ice hockey athletes should follow and rehearse this technique.

Division I intercollegiate ice hockey team coverage

“…Athletes who have neck pain and are lying in a prone position should not be moved until personnel trained in the correct log rolling technique are available to help move them on to their back 11. At all times, the neck should be stabilised by a physician or the most senior medical person at the scene, and the helmet should be left in place (fig 4).…”