[A new protocol, is the spine still safe?]. / Een nieuw protocol, is de wervelkolom nog veilig?

ABSTRACT

The latest version of the Dutch National Protocol Ambulance Care (Landelijk Protocol Ambulancezorg LPA8), introduced on 1 January 2015, contains too few guarantees of the safety of trauma patients in whom spinal immobilisation has to be performed. A number of strict indications have been removed and too much freedom is also permitted with respect to implementation. Although the previous standard method using a spinal board, collar and blocks did have disadvantages, the new operating method has been insufficiently substantiated and, in addition, is not well matched to the protocols of Accident and Emergency departments. It is vital that the agencies involved collaborate to reach a joint solution.