Rapid Extrication versus the Kendrick Extrication Device (KED): Comparison of Techniques Used After Motor Vehicle Collisions

Abstract

Introduction: The goal of this study was to compare application of the Kendrick Extrication Device (KED) versus rapid extrication (RE) by emergency medical service personnel. Our primary endpoints were movement of head, time to extrication and patient comfort by a visual analogue scale. Methods: We used 23 subjects in two scenarios for this study. The emergency medical services (EMS) providers were composed of one basic emergency medical technician (EMT), one advanced EMT. Each subject underwent two scenarios, one using RE and the other using extrication involving a commercial KED. Results: Time was significantly shorter using rapid extraction for all patients. Angles of head turning were all significantly larger when using RE. Weight marginally modified the effect of KED versus RE on the “angle to right after patient moved to backboard (p= 0.029) and on subjective movement on patient questionnaire (p=0.011). No statistical differences were noted on patient discomfort or pain. Conclusion: This is a small experiment that showed decreased patient neck movement using a KED versus RE but resulted in increased patient movement in obese patients. Further studies are needed to determine if the KED improves any meaningful patient outcomes in the era of increased evidence-based medicine in emergency medical services. [West J Emerg Med. 2015;16(3):453–458.]