Kendrick Extrication Device

Diagram of a Kendrick Extrication Device

The Kendrick Extrication Device (KED) is a device that is used in vehicle extrication to remove victims of traffic collisions from motor vehicles. Commonly carried on ambulances, the KED is typically applied by an emergency medical technician, paramedic, or another first responder. Typically used in conjunction with a cervical collar, the KED is a semi-rigid brace that secures the head, neck and torso in an anatomically neutral position. This position reduces the possibility of additional injuries to these regions during extrication.

Description

Typically there are two head straps, three torso straps, and two legs straps which are used to adequately secure the KED to the victim. Unlike a long spine board or litter, the KED uses a series of wooden or polymer bars in a nylon jacket, allowing the responders to immobilize the neck and upper spine and remove the victim from the vehicle or other confined space. Although the KED can also be used to immobilize infants and children, it is preferable to use specifically designed pediatric immobilization devices should be used whenever possible. If the KED is used to immobilize an infant or child, appropriate padding must be used to ensure complete immobilization in a manner that does not obscure the thorax and abdomen, thereby preventing continued assessment of these vital areas.

Application

The device can be quickly and easily inserted into the seat of a vehicle by a single rescuer, allows access to the airway and conforms to any body size. The KED is typically used only on hemodynamically stable victims; unstable victims are extricated using rapid extrication techniques without the prior application of the KED.

Once the KED is slid into position, it is secured to the victim with straps in order to prevent movement. A common misconception is that the straps must be secured in a specific order (middle, bottom, top, etc.).^{[citation needed]} However, the actual order of the torso straps does not make a difference—as with all spinal immobilization devices, the concept is to immobilize the torso first, then the head.^{[citation needed]} The specific order of Middle, Bottom, Legs, Head, Top is still taught in colleges in Ontario. Some schools teach this order by remembering the phrase "My Baby Looks Hot Tonight" or "Money Buys Lots of Hot Toys", where the beginning of each word stands for Middle torso strap, Bottom torso strap, Leg straps, Head strap and Top torso strap. After the torso and head are secured, the leg straps are secured to keep the victim from slipping out the bottom of the device. Alternatively, the torso and legs can be secured first, and then the head. The critical component is that the head is immobilized after the torso.

The head pad can bring the head too far forward for the side panels to fully immobilize it. Care must be taken to secure the head properly to maintain neutral immobilization. If the head is too far forward, bring the head back to meet the KED unless crepitus, pain or resistance is met. If these symptoms are present, immobilize the head in the position found.