FERN-KED Immobilization and Vehicle Extrication Techniques

FERN-KED: Kendrick Extrication Device

The FERN-KED complements the cervical collar and is used to totally immobilize a patient in a vehicle, cave, well, or similar confined space. This is a type of spinal brace (or extrication corset) which consists of articulated boards that wrap and immobilize the trunk, neck, and head, forming a single block.

It features a pair of wings to secure the head and another pair for the trunk, along with straps that hold the splint to the patient: a pair for attaching to the lower limbs, three pairs for attaching to the trunk, and a pair for the head (on the forehead and chin).

Placement of the FERN-KED

1. Cervical Collar: Placement of the cervical collar, keeping the head, neck, and trunk of the patient in a neutral, aligned position.
2. Insertion: Introduce the splint between the patient's back and the seat, displacing the patient as a single block slightly forward for this purpose. False placement on the waistband or skirt should be avoided.
3. Thigh Straps: The straps pass below the root of the thighs at the level of the groin; these must be the first to be buckled.
4. Trunk Wings: Place the wings of the trunk, leaving the arms out, to subsequently fasten the trunk straps from the bottom up.
5. Head and Neck: Finally, the upper wings should be placed on both sides of the face, filling the gap left at the neck with the provided padding. The splint already includes fasteners for all the straps of the forehead and chin.
6. Extraction: Once all the straps are set and tightened, and after verifying that the patient is not caught by the feet, we will remove the patient from the vehicle interior.
7. Removal: After placing the patient on the bed or vacuum mattress, the Kendrick device is removed as it can impede the evaluation of the patient and make respiration difficult. The Kendrick device is removed in the reverse order in which it was placed, i.e., undoing the straps from top to bottom.

Essential Materials for Extrication

• The Shear: This is a tool used to make cuts in the sheet metal and structure of the car, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, and pedals.
• Hydraulic Cylinders: These are telescopic rods equipped with a hydraulic mechanism used when a great opening length is required to perform a rescue.
• Spacer Clamps: Used for the separation and opening of doors, seats, steering wheels, and dashboards.
• Pedal Cutter Pump: A tool similar to the shear but in a smaller size. This allows for cuts to release extremities trapped below the pedals.
• Pads and Airbags: These are tightly enclosed wraps filled with compressed air and used to lift and stabilize vehicles.