A critical appraisal of the pre-hospital management of cervical spine injury in children and young people

Abstract published with permission. Paediatric cervical spine injury (CSI) has been outlined in current literature as a research priority, where it has been included in the top 10 clinical research priorities by the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network. This article therefore aims to review the evidence base underpinning UK paramedic practice when managing children and young people at risk of CSI. In this article, particular focus shall be given to clinical practice challenges while exploring the risk over benefit debate of spinal immobilisation. Throughout this article, considerations for future research and of adopted future practice shall also be made