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/