Major Trauma
What is a cervical collar
A cervical collar is a neck brace that limits the movement of your neck while providing you with support and can also provide some pain relief. The type of collar will be decided by your team, however, we mainly use Aspen collars at The James Cook university hospital, however other types are available and maybe required.
Your doctor has determined that an Aspen collar will aid in your rehabilitation. The collar will maintain your neck in the proper position while it is healing. Limiting the motion of your neck is an important part of your treatment.
Applying the aspen collar
- You will need a second person to help you to maintain the proper head, neck, and airway alignment
- You must be lying flat with your head in a neutral position
- Take the back of the collar and slide it underneath the neck
- Ensure the collar is the right way up – “Vista” wording on the Velcro straps should highlight this
- Press down into the mattress so that the neck remains in a neutral position
- Pull the straps through on each side to ensure that they are the same length
- Place the front of the collar under the chin and curl the ends against the neck
- Fasten the straps on each side – ensuring that they are symmetrical
- Ensure the collar is a snug fit; you should not be able to slip your chin inside the collar
- To adjust the height, use the rim around the yellow circle in front
- Pull and turn the rim to a level that is comfortable for you
Precautions
Do
Keep your head and neck in a neutral position (nose in line with belly button, chin level)
Don’t
- Do not bend your neck forward
- Do not bend you neck backward
- Do not bend your neck from side to side.
Your collar will prevent you from doing this when it is on
Collar maintenance
- Peel the old green or grey pads off
- Look carefully at the shape as you remove them so you can reposition the clean pads properly
- Wash the pads with soap and water. (Avoid using bleach or harsh detergents)
- Thoroughly rinse the pads with clean water and ring out the excess water
- Lay the pads out flat to air dry. It should take around 60 minutes to dry
- Wipe the white plastic collar shell clean with soap and water
- Attach the replacement pads
- Fold the pads in half with the green or grey side out next to the Velcro (the white side goes against the skin); then centre the pad in the green shell
- Adjust pads as needed so that no plastic touches the skin. Take the back of the collar and slide it underneath the neck. Pads to be removed and cleaned.
Additional instructions
If you have any problems or questions about the use and care of your neck collar, get advice from the person that assists you with your collar management. This may be:
- Your doctor
- Carer
- Therapist
Important
If you experience any of the following, call your doctor:
- Severe back or neck pain
- Bruising and swelling on your neck or back
- Weakness, tingling, or loss of feeling in your arms or legs
- Loss of bowel or bladder function
Contact us
In a medical emergency you should contact 999
If you believe your condition is serious then please return to your local emergency department, bringing all discharge documentation you have been given.
For information and advice on your discharge and recovery please contact Ward 36 to speak with the nursing staff.
- Major Trauma coordinators at The James Cook University Hospital
Telephone: 01642 854226, Extension: 55918 - Ward 36: Telephone: 01642 854536 (Available 24 hours a day)
- Major Trauma coordinators: Telephone 07442 790 011
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]