Current Knowledge and Practices for Spine Boarding
Athletes Wearing Helmets and Shoulder Pads: A Pilot Study
Researchers from the Center for Injury Research and Policy
at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Ohio State University and the staff
at Nationwide Children’s Sports Medicine Program conducted a research project entitled “Current Knowledge and Practices for Spine Boarding Athletes
Wearing Helmets and Shoulder Pads: A Pilot Study”, a study of the current
knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices for spine boarding athletes
participating in sports with helmets and shoulder pads.
Spinal cord injuries in the US primarily affect young
adults. Participating in athletics is the second most common cause of spinal
cord injury after motor vehicle accidents in those aged thirty and under. Due
to the potential catastrophic consequences of not properly stabilizing the head
and neck in suspected cervical injuries, spine boarding has become standard
practice. Athletes participating in sports with helmets and shoulder pads are
harder to stabilize than someone with no equipment on. Unfortunately, it
is common for EMS providers, athletic trainers, and team physicians to differ
in opinion on the proper management of the suspected cervical injured athlete, especially
athletes wearing helmets and shoulder pads.
This
survey collected demographic information as well as your knowledge,
attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors regarding spine boarding athletes
participating in sports with helmets and shoulder pads. The survey was
anonymous. Participants were not asked to give their name, address, phone
number, or anything else that could identify you.