XCollar™ Application Manual
Position of Comfort
- This procedure should be utilized only when the patient experiences pain or major discomfort while attempting to move the patient's cervical spine into the Neutral Position.
Step 1, Step 2, Step 3
Same as instructed for application of XCollar in Neutral Position.
Step 4 - Adjust Side Straps
While holding the XCollar securely at the chin area, initiate circumferential fitment by adjusting the side straps. First, adjust the strap on the side that the patient's head is turned towards, ensuring not to create movement of the head. Undo the side Velcro strap and pull snugly being sure not to create any rotation of the head while applying opposing force with the hand holding the XCollar's Chin Support (Pic 16).
While keeping tension on the side strap, fold it back to reattach the Velcro. Next, switch hands to adjust the other side using the same method (Pic 17).
- Always keep one hand on the XCollar's Chin Support to apply opposing force while adjusting the strap to avoid movement of the cervical spine.
Step 5 - Extend Adjustable Chest Support
For vertical fitment hold the Chin Support in place with your index fingers as you apply downward pressure with your thumbs on the blue and yellow push tabs. This will move teh Adjustable Chest Support downward until it rests securely on the patient's chest. Note that it may be necessary to pull back slightly to unlock the locking buttons before moving the Adjustable Chest Support downwards. Move Adjustable Chest Support down more on one side than the other in order to create a secure fit on the patient's chest (Pic 18).
Lock the Adjustable Chest Support in place by pinching closed the left and right locking buttons (Pic 19). An alternate method of vertical fitment can be used by pushing down on the Adjustable Chest Support while holding the Chin Support securely.
Step 6 - Attach X Straps
To complete the application procedure and to achieve the highest degree of cervical stabilization, the diagonal X Straps must be properly placed. First hold the Adjustable Chest Support on the side the patient is facing. Release and deploy the colored X Straps as previously discussed (Pic 20).
Keeping snug tension on the X Strap, wrap it around the patient by placing it directly below the patients chin and clear of the tracheal access opening. Note tabs under chin. The colored straps should fit under these tabs between the chin and tracheal access opening (Pic 21).
Next, repeat the procedure with the other colored strap. (Pic 22 and Pic 23).
- When addressing cervical stabilization and airway intervention, always follow local protocols.
Note on Airway Management
Airway management and placement of an advanced airway may require the rescuer to loosen the Chin Strap. To loosen the Chin Strap, release the Velcro and pull the Chin Strap away from the chin.
