Doman, Brian Clark D.
STEM I
July 18, 2018
ACTIVITY NO.4: CSI
1. What is CSI?
CSI stands for Cervical Spine Immobilization. It is defined as the use of adjuncts (i.e
cervical collar, longboards, etc) being applied to minimize movement of the spinal column.
Spine Immobilization can reduce movement of the cervical spine and can reduce the
likelihood of neurological deterioration in patients with unstable cervical spinal injuries
following a trauma.
2. Guidelines when to use CSI?
Indication for Cervical Spine Immobilization:
Blunt trauma
Altered mental status
Midline spinal pain or tenderness
Neurologic complaints or findings
Anatomic deformity of spine
High-energy mechanism of injury and any of the following:
Drug or alcohol intoxication
Inability to communicate
Distracting injury
3. Do’s and Don’ts of performing CSI
Do’s when performing CSI:
Get help-call for emergency medical help
Keep the person still-hold the head and neck to prevent movement
The spine should be protected at all times
Try to talk with the patient
Don’ts when performing CSI:
If the person is wearing a helmet, don’t remove it
Don’t run when transporting the patient
Do not be noisy
Don’t work alone
REFERENCE:
https://saem.org/cdem/education/online-education/m3-curriculum/group-traumatic-
and-orthopedic-injuries/spinal-immobilization
https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-spinal-injury/basics/art-20056677
https://lifesaving.com/issues-safety-rescue/spinal-immobilization/