KED Model 125 Users Manual April 2001

Model 125 KED

Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS Section

Page

1 - Safety Information ... 5 1.1 Warning ... 5 1.2 Important ... 5 1.3 Be Aware ... 5 1.4 Bloodborne Disease Notice ... 5 2 - Operator Skills and Training ... 6 2.1 Skills ... 6 2.2 Training ... 6 3 - About the KED ... 7-8 3.1 Model KED Description ... 7 3.2 General Specifications ... 7 3.3 Components ... 8 4 - About the KED Features ... 9-14 4.1 Quick-Release Buckle ... 9 4.2 Shortening the Securing Straps ... 9 4.3 Lengthening the Securing Straps ... 10 4.4 Releasing the Securing Straps ... 10 4.5 Torso Straps ... 11 4.6 Leg Straps ... 12 4.7 Adjusta-Pad ... 13 4.8 Lifting Handles ... 13 4.9 Head Straps ... 14

Section

Page

6 - Adapting the KED in Special Situations ... 25-27 6.1 General Guidelines ... 25 6.2 Adapting the KED for a Pregnant Patient ... 25 6.3 Adapting the KED for a Pediatric Patient ... 26 6.4 Adapting the KED for an Angulated Neck ... 26 6.5 Adapting the KED for Use With Monitoring Systems ... 26 6.6 Adapting the KED for Use as a Splint ... 27 6.7 Using the KED with an Anti-Shock Garment ... 27 7 - Storing the KED ... 28-31 7.1 Storing the KED Properly ... 28 8 - Maintaining the KED ... 31 8.1 Maintenance Schedule ... 31 8.2 Cleaning and Disinfecting the KED ... 31 8.3 Inspecting the KED ... 31 9 - Limited Warranty ... 32 10 - Customer Service ... 32 Training Record ... 33 Maintenance Record ... 34

5 - Using the KED ... 15-24 5.1 Before Placing the KED in Service ... 15 5.2 General Guidelines for Use ... 15 5.3 Applying the Cervical Collar ... 16 5.4 Removing the KED from the Carrying Case ... 16 5.5 Placing the KED Behind the Patient ... 17 5.6 Wrapping and Positioning the KED ... 18 5.7 Fastening the Torso Straps ... 19 5.8 Applying the Leg Straps ... 20 5.9 Securing the Patient’s Head ... 21 5.10 Buckling the Top Strap and Making Final Strap Adjustments ... 22 5.11 Transferring the Patient to the Long Spine Board ... 23

© Ferno-Washington, Inc. 234-1754-02 April 2001

Notes ... 35

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Contents

Model 125 KED

Illustrations Components ... 8

Figure 31 - Wrapping the Head Flaps with

Figure 1 - Fastening the Buckle ... 9

Padding in Place... 21

Figure 2 - Unfastening the Buckle ... 9

Figure 32 - Head Straps Applied ... 21

Figure 3 - Removing Excess Slack from Strap ... 9

Figure 33 - The KED, Applied ... 22

Figure 4 - Feed and Pull Tightening Technique ... 9

Figure 34 - Patient Pivoted with Back

Figure 5 - Loosening a Buckled Strap ... 10 Figure 6 - Lengthening a Free Strap ... 10 Figure 7 - Releasing a Torso Strap from Its Fastener ... 10 Figure 8 - Torso Straps (As Folded for Storage) ... 11 Figure 9 - Middle Strap Fastened ... 11 Figure 10 - Middle and Bottom Straps Fastened ... 11 Figure 11 - Leg Strap Applied in Criss-Cross Configuration ... 12

Toward Inside of Vehicle ... 23 Figure 35 - Lifting the Patient to Position the Long Spine Board ... 23 Figure 36 - Placing Patient and Long Spine Board on Ambulance Cot ... 24 Figure 37- Loosening Top (Green) Torso Strap for Patient Comfort ... 24 Figure 38 - Positioning Torso Straps

Figure 12 - Back View of Leg Straps Correctly Positioned

Beneath Breasts/Above Abdomen ... 25

Close to the Body Midline ... 12

Figure 39 - Two-Strap Configuration ... 25

Figure 13 - Positioning the Adjusta-Pad ... 13

Figure 40 - Three-Strap Configuration ... 25

Figure 14 - KED Lifting Handles ... 13

Figure 41 - Applying the KED to a Child ... 26

Figure 15-A and 15-B - Exposing Center Pad Rubber .. 14

Figure 42 - Applying the KED to an Angulated Neck .. 26

Figure 16 - Head Straps in Place ... 14

Figure 43 - Adapting the KED for Use with a

Figure 17 - Applying the WizLoc™ Cervical Collar ... 16 Figure 18 - Removing the KED From Its Carrying Case ... 16 Figure 19 - Sliding the KED at an Angle ... 17

Monitoring System ... 26 Figure 44 - Stabilizing the Hip and/or Femur ... 27 Figure 45 - Stabilizing the Pelvis ... 27 Figure 46 - Using the KED with an

Figure 20 - Centering the KED ... 17

Anti-Shock Garment ... 27

Figure 21-A and 21-B - Releasing a Leg Strap ... 17

Figure 47 - Turning the Buckle Under ... 28

Figure 22- Wrapping the Torso Flaps

Figure 48 - Making the First Fold ... 28

Around the Patient ... 18

Figure 49 - Folding Accordion Style ... 28

Figure 23 - Moving the Patient Back into the KED ... 18

Figure 50 - Securing the Strap ... 28

Figure 24 - Releasing a Torso Strap ... 19

Figure 51 - Wrapping the Leg Straps ... 29

Figure 25 - Middle Strap Fastened ... 19

Figure 52 - Securing the Folded Strap

Figure 26 - Middle and Bottom Straps Fastened ... 19 Figure 27 - Passing a Leg Strap Beneath the Patient’s Leg ... 20 Figure 28 - Back View of Leg Straps When

in the Fastener ... 29 Figure 53 - Positioning the Adjusta-Pad and Head Straps ... 30 Figure 54 - Folding the Torso Flap ... 30

Properly Positioned ... 20

Figure 55 - Rolling the KED ... 30

Figure 29 - Leg Straps in Criss-Cross Configuration ... 20

Figure 56 - Ready for the Carrying Case ... 30

Figure 30 - Placing the Padding ... 21

Maintenance Schedule ... 31 Lot Number Location ... 32

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© Ferno-Washington, Inc. 234-1754-02 April 2001

Safety Information

Model 125 KED

1 - SAFETY INFORMATION 1.1 Warning

1.2 Important

The following warnings appear in this manual.

Boxes like the one below emphasize important information.

! WARNING Untrained operators can cause injury or be injured. Permit only trained personnel to apply the KED.

Important To prevent pressure on the groin when using the same-side configuration, correctly position the leg straps to lay straight down from their anchoring points on the KED.

Improper use of the KED can cause injury. Use the KED only for the purpose described in this manual. Improper application of the KED can cause injury. Apply the KED only as described in this manual. An unattended patient can be injured. Stay with the patient at all times. An unrestrained patient can fall off the spine board or cot and be injured. Use restraints to secure the patient on the spine board and cot. Attaching other equipment or items to the KED can cause injury. Do not attach equipment or items of any kind to the KED. Improper maintenance can cause injury. Maintain the KED only as described in this manual.

1.3 Be Aware Boxes like the one below serve as reminders.

Be Aware Positioning the patient as fully as possible against the KED minimizes the need for padding between the patient’s head and the KED. But be aware that some patients may not be able to sit fully back into the KED.

1.4 Bloodborne Disease Notice OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requires employers to protect workers from workplace exposure to bloodborne diseases such as HIV-1 and hepatitis. To reduce the risk of exposure when using the KED, follow the disinfecting and cleaning instructions in this manual. For more information, visit www.osha.gov on the Internet or write to: U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA Office of Public Affairs, Room N-3647 200 Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC 20210

© Ferno-Washington, Inc. 234-1754-02 April 2001

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Operator Skills and Training

Model 125 KED

2 - OPERATOR SKILLS AND TRAINING 2.1 Skills

2.2 Training

Operators using the KED need:

Trainees need to:

a working knowledge of emergency patienthandling procedures.

follow a training program designed by their training officer.

the ability to assist the patient.

read this manual.

a complete understanding of the procedures described in this manual.

practice with the KED before using it in regular service. be tested on their understanding of the KED. record their training information.

!

WARNING

Untrained operators can cause injury or be injured. Permit only trained personnel to apply the KED.

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© Ferno-Washington, Inc. 234-1754-02 April 2001

Model 125 KED

About the KED

3 - ABOUT THE KED 3.1 Model 125 KED Description

3.2 General Specifications

The Model 125 KED (Kendrick Extrication Device, referred to as the KED in this manual) is an emergency patient-handling device designed to aid in the immobilization and short transfer movement of patients with suspected spinal/cervical injuries or fracture.

Length Opened Flat ... 33 in (83 cm) Rolled, in Case ... 35 in (90 cm) Width Opened Flat ... 32 in (80 cm) Rolled, in Case ... 11 in (27 cm) Thickness Opened Flat ... 1 in (3 cm) Rolled, in Case ... 6 in (14 cm) Weight* ... 7 lb 11 oz (3 kg) Load Limit ... 500 lb (227 kg)

The KED is designed for use by a minimum of two trained operators. Additional help may be preferred or needed. KED features include: • Color-coded, sewn-in securing straps • Wraparound head flaps • Wraparound torso flaps • Head straps • Adjusta-Pad™ for padding • Integrated carrying handles • Carrying case • Radiographic translucence

!

WARNING

Improper use of the KED can cause injury. Use the KED only for the purpose described in this manual.

* Weight includes restraints, pad, head straps, and carrying case. General specifications are rounded to the nearest whole number. Metric conversions are calculated before rounding the English measurements. For detailed specifications, contact Ferno Customer Service (page 32) or your Ferno distributor. Ferno reserves the right to change specifications without notice.

LOAD LIMIT

500 lb 227 kg Inspect the KED if the Load Limit has been exceeded (see Inspecting the KED, Page 31).

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Model 125 KED

About the KED

3.3 Components (Outside View with Straps in Storage Configuration) Center Lifting Handle (1)

Hook-and-Loop Fastening Strips (10)

Torso Strap Buckle (3)

Leg Strap (2) Head Flap (2)

Side Lifting Handle (2) Torso Straps (3)

Torso Flap (2)

Leg Strap Buckle (2)

Head Strap (2)

Adjusta-Pad

Carrying Case (not to scale)

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© Ferno-Washington, Inc. 234-1754-02 April 2001

About the KED Features

Model 125 KED

4 - ABOUT THE KED FEATURES 4.1 Quick-Release Buckles KED buckles are snap-lock and quick-release. Torsostrap buckles are black. Leg-strap buckles are white. FASTENING THE BUCKLES

Slide

Receiver

Figure 1 Fastening the Buckle

To fasten a buckle, push the slide into the receiver until it locks into place (Figure 1). A distinctive “click” signals that the slide is properly placed in the receiver. To unfasten a buckle, press the slide tabs to release the slide, then pull the slide out of the receiver slot (Figure 2).

Figure 2 Unfastening the Buckle

4.2 Shortening the Securing Straps Buckled torso and leg straps are shortened in two stages, first removing excess slack and then snugging or tightening the straps. Use the techniques described below to shorten the straps. REMOVING EXCESS SLACK

When a torso strap is released from its storage position there is a large amount of slack. After fastening the buckle, quickly remove most of the slack by turning the buckle up, away from the KED, with one hand while you pull the hemmed end of the strap with the other hand (Figure 3). Shorten the strap only until you feel the slightest tension.

Figure 3 Removing Excess Slack from the Strap

SNUGGING OR TIGHTENING THE STRAP

To prevent twisting or jostling the patient’s torso when snugging or tightening the strap, use the feed-and-pull tightening technique below: 1. Grasp the portion of the strap that lays across the patient’s torso and create a little slack in the strap (Figure 4). 2. Feed the slack into the buckle with one hand and pull it through the buckle with the other hand (Figure 4). Repeat until the strap is snug or tight.

© Ferno-Washington, Inc. 234-1754-02 April 2001

Figure 4 - Feed-and-Pull Tightening Technique

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About the KED Features

Model 125 KED

4.3 Securing Straps - Lengthening The technique used for lengthening a strap depends on whether the strap has been buckled. LENGTHENING A BUCKLED STRAP

To loosen or lengthen a buckled strap, feed excess strap into the buckle with one hand as you raise the buckle at an angle to the KED with the other hand (Figure 5). LENGTHENING A FREE STRAP

To lengthen a free strap, hold the slide at an angle to the strap with one hand and pull the strap backward through the buckle slide with the other hand (Figure 6).

Figure 5 - Loosening a Buckled Strap

4.4 Securing Straps - Releasing If torso and leg straps have been properly configured for storage, they can be released quickly and without tangles when they are needed. For instructions on configuring the straps for storage, see Storing the KED, pages 28 and 29 . TORSO STRAPS

Simply grasp the sides of the buckle (Figure 7) and firmly pull it from the fastener. LEG STRAPS

If you are going to use the leg straps, leave them in the storage configuration until the KED has been placed behind the patient but not wrapped and fastened. Free the straps from the hook-and-loop fastener, slide them from behind the patient, and lay them with the buckles within your reach.

Figure 6 - Lengthening a Free Strap Hook-andLoop Fastener

If you are not going to use the leg straps, leave them attached in the storage configuration, where they will not interfere with applying the KED.

Figure 7 - Releasing a Torso Strap From Its Fastener

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© Ferno-Washington, Inc. 234-1754-02 April 2001

Model 125 KED

About the KED Features

4.5 Torso Straps The KED is constructed with three torso straps: top, middle, and lower. The straps are color coded for easy matching of left and right pieces (Figure 8).

Torso Straps

When wrapping the KED torso flaps around the patient, fasten the middle (yellow) strap first, then the bottom (red) strap. Do not fasten the top (green) strap until just before you are ready to transfer the patient to a long spine board.

THE MIDDLE STRAP

The middle (yellow) strap is the first strap to be fastened (Figure 9).

Figure 8 -Torso Straps (As Folded for Storage)

When fastening the strap initially, snug it until there is space for 2 or 3 fingers laid flat between the strap and the patient’s torso. You will tighten the strap just before transferring the patient to a spine board. The middle strap evenly secures the greatest possible area of the KED, providing the greatest patient stability while you finish applying the KED. If the rescue situation or the patient’s condition requires that you remove the patient from the vehicle sooner than anticipated, the stability provided by the KED with only the middle strap fastened, and properly tightened, may be preferable to using no supporting equipment. Follow your medical advisor’s guidelines on this issue. THE BOTTOM STRAP

Figure 9 - Middle Strap Fastened

The bottom (red) strap is the second strap fastened (Figure 10). When fastening the strap initially, snug it until there is space for 2 or 3 fingers laid flat between the strap and the patient’s torso. You will tighten the strap just before transferring the patient to a spine board. THE TOP STRAP

Do not fasten the top (green) strap at this time. Leave the top strap unfastened until you are ready to transfer the patient to the long spine board. This allows the patient to breathe more freely while you finish applying the KED.

© Ferno-Washington, Inc. 234-1754-02 April 2001

Figure 10 - Middle and Bottom Straps Fastened

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About the KED Features

Model 125 KED

4.6 Leg Straps The leg straps secure the pelvis to the lower portion of the KED to stabilize the lower lumbar area. Follow your medical advisor’s guidelines concerning the use of leg straps. The KED leg straps can be fastened in a “criss-cross” configuration or a “same-side” configuration, depending on the patient’s condition. The leg straps are most commonly used “criss-cross” style (Figure 11). For this configuration, pass the straps under the patient’s legs and buckle the left strap at the right side of the KED and the right strap at the left side of the KED (see Applying the Leg Straps, Page 20, for complete instructions).

Figure 11 - Leg Strap Applied In “Criss-Cross” Configuration

If groin injury is suspected, you can use the straps in the “same-side” configuration to reduce pressure on the groin area. Pass the straps under the legs and buckle the left strap at the left side of the KED and the right strap at the right side of the KED. Whether using the “criss-cross” or “same-side” configuration, you must position the straps as close as possible to the body’s midline. When buckled straps are correctly positioned, they run straight down from their anchoring points on back of the KED (Figure 12) before passing beneath the buttocks. Note: Positioning the straps correctly for the “sameside” configuration requires a more focused effort because the tendency during this application is to place the straps away from the midline.

Leg Strap Anchoring Points

Midline

Figure 12 - Back View of Leg Straps When Correctly Positioned Close to the Body Midline

Important To prevent pressure on the groin when using the same-side configuration, take care to correctly position the leg straps close to the body midline.

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© Ferno-Washington, Inc. 234-1754-02 April 2001

Model 125 KED

About the KED Features

4.7 Adjusta-Pad The foam-filled Adjusta-Pad can be used to fill the gap that may exist between the KED and any of these areas: head, cervical collar (or neck, if no collar is used), shoulders. The patient’s medical condition, body structure, and head shape determine the need for padding. Most patients, when properly positioned in the KED, will not need padding but when you do use it, follow your medical advisor’s guidelines. If you need to apply the Adjusta-Pad: 1. Determine whether to use the pad single thickness or folded. 2. Slide the pad between the KED and the patient (Figure 13). Depending on the patient’s injuries, body structure, and head shape, the pad may be positioned behind the head only, behind the head and neck area, or behind head, neck area, and the tops of the shoulders.

Figure 13 - Positioning the Adjusta-Pad

Always take care to pad without hyperextending or flexing the patient’s neck. 3. Secure the patient’s head with the head straps (see Head Straps, page 14). Note: The Adjusta-Pad may also be used as a splint pad.

Lifting Handles

4.8 Lifting Handles The KED is constructed with three lifting handles (Figure 14). Use the handles when adjusting the KED’s vertical position on the patient and during extrication. The top lift handle serves as an extension of the leg straps and offers a firm hold for vertical lift or horizontal pull to get the patient in position to extricate.

Figure 14 - KED Lifting Handles

During extrication, the handles provide a firm hold on the patient/KED as a single unit, minimizing chances of losing control or dropping the patient during extrication. The two side handles provide the firmest holds for extrication.

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Model 125 KED

About the KED Features 4.9 Head Straps Two identical head straps are provided to secure the KED head flaps in place. They can also be used to secure the KED when using it as a splint.

15-A

APPLYING THE UPPER STRAP

1. Grasp the strap with both hands (Figure 15-A) and turn the center pad fully inside-out, exposing the rubber (Figure 15-B). 2. Center the pad at the patient’s eyebrows with the rubber against the skin. Position the strap ends at a downward angle and secure them to the fastening strips on the KED head flaps (Figure 16).

15-B

Note: Placing the strap ends at a downward angle minimizes the chance that the strap can slip upward on the forehead. APPLYING THE LOWER STRAP

Figures 15-A and 15-B - Exposing the Center Pad Rubber

Two methods for applying the lower strap are provided below. There are alternate methods. Use and secure the strap according to your medical director’s guidelines. One method for applying the lower strap when using a rigid cervical collar is shown in Figure 16: 1. Place the strap against a rigid area beneath the “chin” of the cervical collar. 2. Position the strap ends horizontally, or just above the horizontal, and secure them to the fastening strips on the head flaps. A method for applying the lower strap to the patient’s chin area, with or without a cervical collar, would be: 1. Grasp the strap with both hands and turn the center pad fully inside-out, exposing the rubber.

Figure 16 - Head Straps in Place

2. Place the strap over the patient’s chin or over the cervical collar chin area. 3. Position the strap ends horizontally and secure them to the fastening strips on the head flaps. Make sure the strap placement does not prevent the patient from opening his/her mouth.

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© Ferno-Washington, Inc. 234-1754-02 April 2001

Model 125 KED

Using the KED

5 - USING THE KED 5.1 Before Placing the KED in Service Personnel who will work with the KED need to read this manual and practice using the KED before placing it in service. Confirm that the KED operates properly. Carry out an inspection, following instructions in Inspecting the KED, page 31.

5.2 General Guidelines for Use •

This manual illustrates use of the KED in an ideal setting. Other, and sometimes unusual, settings and circumstances will occur in the field and the KED can be adapted to many of them. It is the responsibility of qualified Emergency Medical Service personnel to assess the patient’s condition and determine the proper equipment and procedures to use.

•

Follow your medical director’s guidelines when using the KED.

•

Optimum use of the KED includes one operator manually stabilizing the patient’s head and neck, two operators applying the KED, and a fourth operator managing the long spine board.

!

WARNING

Improper application of the KED can cause injury. Apply the KED only as described in this manual.

!

WARNING

An unattended patient can be injured. Stay with the patient at all times.

In situations where there are only two or three trained operators available, one operator manually stabilizes the head and neck while the other(s) applies the KED. •

Follow standard emergency patient-handling procedures when using the KED.

•

Maintain manual stabilization of the patient’s head and neck until the patient is properly secured on a long spine board.

•

After applying the KED and transferring the patient to the spine board, secure the patient to the spine board with restraints.

•

Stay with the patient at all times.

© Ferno-Washington, Inc. 234-1754-02 April 2001

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Using the KED

Model 125 KED

5.3 Applying the Cervical Collar Apply the cervical collar according to local protocols and the manufacturer’s instructions. Maintain manual stabilization of the patient’s head and neck until the patient is properly secured on a long spine board. In Figure 17, one operator holds the patient’s head and neck in neutral alignment while the other operator applies Ferno’s WizLoc cervical collar.

5.4 Removing the KED from the Carrying Case

Figure 17 - Applying the WizLoc® Cervical Collar

The KED carrying case is designed for quick removal of the KED, as follows: 1. Stand the carrying case containing the KED on end with the open end of the case facing upward. Where the case meets the ground, there will be a left and right “dog ear” (Figure 18). 2. Place your foot on one of the “dog ears” to hold the case in place while you pull the KED out of the case (Figure 18) 3. Unroll the KED and lay the Adjusta-Pad and head straps aside.

“Dog Ear”

Figure 18 - Removing the KED From Its Carrying Case

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© Ferno-Washington, Inc. 234-1754-02 April 2001

Model 125 KED

Using the KED

5.5 Placing the KED Behind the Patient The instructions below allow operators to use the KED design features to their best advantage. 1. Check behind the patient for articles (wallet, belt, etc.) that could interfere with sliding the KED between the patient and the vehicle seat. 2. With the buckles toward the seat, grasp the KED at the top of the head flap and the top corner of the torso flap closest to the patient. 3. Tilt the KED at about a 45-degree angle and slide it behind the patient (Figure 19). Note: Use the KED’s vertical rigidity as an aid when sliding the KED behind the patient. Tilting the KED at a 45-degree angle provides a rigid leading edge to slip between the patient and seat, prevents the KED from rolling up, and allows the KED to clear the vehicle roofline.

Figure 19 - Sliding the KED at an Angle

4. The operator and assisting operator(s) work the KED down between the patient and the back of the seat and then into the vertical position (Figure 20). Work the KED far enough down to clear the vehicle roofline and be positioned behind the patient’s head when the KED is tipped to the vertical. Note: The third operator may move the patient forward just enough (i.e., a hand’s thickness) to reduce friction so the KED slides smoothly between the patient and seat. To avoid jostling the patient’s head, coordinate this effort with the operator stabilizing the head.

Figure 20 - Centering the KED

While the KED is moved to the vertical the operator holding the patient’s head in alignment lifts his/her elbow slightly, providing clearance for the KED and taking care not to move the patient’s head. 5. Use the lift handles to center the KED behind the patient. 6. If you are going to use the leg straps, remove them from the fastening strips at the top of the KED (Figure 21-A). Slide them clear of the KED and lay them within reach (Figure 21-B).

© Ferno-Washington, Inc. 234-1754-02 April 2001

Figure 21-A Figure 21-B Releasing a Leg Strap

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Using the KED

Model 125 KED

5.6 Wrapping and Positioning the KED 1. Wrap both torso flaps around the patient’s torso, lifting the patient’s arms only as much as needed to slide the flaps beneath them. The top of the flaps should be just below the patient’s armpits (Figure 22). 2. Use the lift handles to raise and adjust the KED until the top edges of the torso flaps press firmly into the armpit area. You can also use the lift handles to keep the KED in place until the straps can be buckled. If using three operators, the two side operators lift the KED with the side straps.

Important

Figure 22 -Wrapping the Torso Flaps Around the Patient

It is important to pull the KED up snugly under the armpits to make sure the patient’s weight is suspended. This will reduce the possibility of the patient slipping downward later when he/ she is lifted.

3. Before beginning to fasten the straps, make sure the patient is sitting back against the KED as fully as his/her body structure and condition allow. To check and adjust the patient’s position, the operator behind the patient holds the patient’s head in alignment while a side operator gently presses on the patient’s chest area just below the cervical collar (Figure 23).

Figure 23 - Moving the Patient Back Into the KED

Be Aware Positioning the patient as fully as possible against the KED minimizes the need for padding between the patient’s head and the KED. But be aware that some patients may not be able to sit fully back into the KED.

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© Ferno-Washington, Inc. 234-1754-02 April 2001

Using the KED

Model 125 KED 5.7 Fastening the Torso Straps After the KED is wrapped and properly positioned under the armpits, fasten the middle strap and then the bottom strap. Do not fasten the top (green) strap at this time.

Hook-andLoop Fastener

To fasten the torso straps: 1. Remove the middle (yellow) strap from its holder by grasping the sides of the buckle and pulling the strap out of the holder (Figure 24). 2. Fasten the middle strap buckle (Figure 25). 3. Remove the bottom (red) strap from its holder and fasten the buckle (Figure 26).

Figure 24 - Releasing a Torso Strap

4. Use the feed-and-pull tightening technique to snug both straps, leaving space for two or three fingers laid flat between the strap and the patient’s chest. You will fasten the top strap and tighten all other straps just before transferring the patient to a long spine board and the ambulance cot.

A MEMORY AID

Many EMTs remember the order for fastening straps by repeating this phrase:

Figure 25 - Middle Strap Fastened

“Money Buys Lots of Hot Toys.” Money= Middle Strap Buys = Bottom Strap Lots of = Leg Straps Hot = Head Straps Toys = Top Strap

Figure 26 - Middle and Bottom Straps Fastened

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Using the KED

Model 125 KED

5.8 Applying the Leg Straps To apply the leg straps: 1. Pass the leg straps between the leg and car seat (make use of a gap if there is one). 2. Using both hands, “see-saw” one strap into position under the patient’s leg and buttock (Figure 27). Reach behind the patient and make sure the strap lays straight downward from its anchor point on the KED, as close as possible to the body midline (Figure 28).

Figure 27 - Placing a Leg Strap Beneath the Patient’s Leg

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 with the other leg strap. 4. If you are using the “criss-cross” configuration, cross the straps at the groin and buckle the straps opposite their sides of origin (Figure 29).

Leg Strap Anchoring Points

If you are using the “same-side” configuration, do not cross the straps at the groin. Buckle them on their sides of origin. 5. Snug both straps using the feed-and-pull tightening method (see Snugging or Tightening the Strap, page 9). Leave space for two or three fingers laid flat between the strap and the patient’s leg. You will tighten the leg straps just before transferring the patient to the long spine board.

Midline

Figure 28 - Back View of Leg Straps When Properly Positioned

Be Aware For suspected groin injury, the leg straps can be used in the “same-side” configuration or not used at all. Always follow your medical advisor’s recommendations for the use of leg straps.

Figure 29 - Leg Straps in the “Criss-Cross” Configuration

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© Ferno-Washington, Inc. 234-1754-02 April 2001

Model 125 KED

Using the KED

5.9 Securing the Patient’s Head APPLYING PADDING

Be Aware The patient’s medical condition, body structure, and head shape determine the need for padding. Follow your medical advisor’s guidelines for the use of padding. 1. Make sure the patient is still properly positioned against the KED. Adjust if necessary.

Figure 30 - Placing the Padding

2. If there is a gap between the KED and the patient’s head, the cervical collar, or the patient’s shoulders, fill the gap with the Adjusta-Pad or rolled towels (Figure 30) taking care not to hyperextend or flex the patient’s neck. (The Adjusta-Pad can be folded if additional thickness is needed.)

APPLYING THE HEAD FLAPS

One operator will hold the head and head flaps in place while another operator applies the head straps to secure and hold the patient’s head against the KED and/or padding. 1. Wrap the head flaps around the patient’s head (Figure 31). 2. Grasp a head strap with both hands and turn the center pad fully inside-out so the rubber will be against the patient’s forehead (see Head Straps, page 14).

Figure 31 - Wrapping the Head Flaps with Padding in Place

3. Position the strap at the patient’s eyebrows and secure the strap to the head flap fastening strips at a downward angle (Figure 32). The angled placement minimizes the chance that the strap can slide upward on the forehead. 4. Place the second strap under or on the chin area of the cervical collar and position the strap ends as horizontally as possible. Secure the strap ends to the fastening strips on the head flaps (Figure 32). Take care not to apply the strap so snugly that the patient cannot open his/her mouth. For additional information, see Head Straps, page 14.

Figure 32 - Head Straps Applied

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