Factors Affecting Equipment Removal Decisions in a Suspected Cervical Spine Injury

Kaitlin Zelinski: Factors Affecting Equipment Removal Decisions in Acute Suspected Cervical Spine Injury(Under the direction of Aliza Nedimyer) Athletic equipment includes protective devices such as helmet and shoulder pads that help reduce injury incidence. While equipment aids in protection from acute injuries for which it is designed, it cannot fully prevent injury, and there are circumstances after acute trauma in which equipment becomes a barrier to treatment. In the event of a suspected cervical spine injury, athletic trainers are presented with a choice, to remove the athlete’s equipment on field or postpone removal for transport to further care. The current literature recommends making this decision considering several situational factors. With a current lack of understanding of such factors, this study aimed to use a cross sectional, online survey to understand and determine the importance of several situational factors as they relate to equipment removal. Certified athletic trainers completed an electronic survey describing their previous experiences in equipment removal decisions for equipment laden athletes with suspected cervical spine injury. In total, 63 of the 87 participants had chosen to remove equipment on field (72%). Ultimately this study found no statistically significant difference between equipment removal decision and the number of individuals in the rescuing team. There was also no statistically significant difference found between equipment removal cases in the collegiate and high school settings. The high incidence of on field equipment removal, however, should indicate the need to prioritize more research exploring the factors and resources necessary to perform proper equipment removal strategies safely and effectively.