2015 NYS SPINAL MOTION RESTRICTION EDUCATION

Overview 

The NYS BLS T-8 protocol – Suspected Spinal Injury protocol has been modified. This change will bring current the best practices of spinal injury care for ALL levels of EMS in NYS.  The purpose of this document is to provide guidance and resources to allow all providers to understand the protocol changes and how this will affect patient treatment.
Objectives

  • To update every EMT in our region on the T-8 protocol changes.
  • Discuss the changes to the protocol
  • Overview of the research and “Why?” this protocol was changed
  • Detail the process in which you will use the protocol. This will include questions about patient assessment, when to use a cervical collar and what is appropriate for patient movement/extrication
  • Common scenarios/demonstrations
  • Frequently asked questions
Activities you MUST complete: 
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Completion of BOTH sections below for WREMAC providers
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​​1. NYS BEMS Webinar & Test

2015 Spinal Protocol UpdateThis update is required to be completed by all New York State certified EMS providers:
The 2015 BLS Protocol update on hemorrhage control and spinal injuries is approved for 3 hours of CME (Preparatory, Trauma, or Other). If you took your quiz through Webex you must have your email from Webex showing your passing quiz score as well as your completed skills sheets on-file with your agency. No additional certificates will be published through Webex.

The recorded training session can be found by clicking this link: Webinar. This link will not provide you with the required quiz.

If you have not completed your update and quiz, you will need to go to our training site at http://training.vitalsignsconference.com. Once your account is created and confirmed via email you can access the update course at the link, "2015 BLS Update". Once you complete the update, you will receive a certificate of completion.
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If you have any questions/issues please email Robert.Valenty@health.ny.gov.
2. Skills component
     
Providers must complete ONE of the following didactic components (option A or B):
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A.) A didactic discussion may be presented to the agency by an approved training preceptor (CIC or CLI) or your medical director in a live format. 

  • This didactic component may be accomplished through utilizing the NYS BEMS skills sheets, a presentation approved by your medical director covering the topics listed below, or the WREMAC approved training lecture.  Approved training preceptors may obtain that lecture with permission to present it by contacting their program agency.

  • The clinical portion of this training should focus on:
    • Identifying suspected spinal injuries using the 2015 T-8 protocol
    • Movement/extrication devices that can be used (top deck, scoop, canvas, etc.) 
    • Alternative uses of the long spine board for extrication

  • There are no REQUIRED skills sheets or “check offs”.  The ones you may have seen from the BEMS are a reference and were not intended to be evaluation tools and are not mandatory. Since this is not a new skill, there is no change in your scope of practice.
B.) Agencies may as a group view the Spinal Motion Restriction Powerpoint Presentation (narrated by Dr. Bart) AND the Spinal Motion Restriction Video demonstrating common scenarios providers may encounter. 

  • These are intended to be accomplished in a group setting at an agency training session, but will allow an agency to complete the requirement without necessitating a CIC or CLI (if that is not possible.) 
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  • There are no REQUIRED skills sheets or “check offs”.  The ones you may have seen from the BEMS are a reference and were not intended to be evaluation tools and are not mandatory. Since this is not a new skill, there is no change in your scope of practice.
 
It is the responsibility of each agency to maintain a roster of providers who have completed the didactic component, regardless of which option was chosen.  

 ​NYS BEMS has set a deadline for implementation of October 31, 2015. It is expected that providers register, take and pass the online test by that date.

WREMAC recognizes that is will not be possible to complete all of the psychomotor requirements by the BEMS deadline.  The WREMAC strongly encourages each agency to complete this as soon as possible.  The WREMAC deadline for completion of the above is December 31, 2015. 

Agencies should make it a priority that their providers have plans to meet these requirements before shifting to the new T-8 protocol. ALL providers will be using the new protocol and are expected to understand the changes and new standards by the deadlines.   
Additional resource materials:

A Combination of resources from UB|MD EMS, WREMAC and the NYS BEMS
 For their efforts in producing the Spinal Motion Restriction Video for the benefit of our providers, the WREMAC would like to especially thank the:
Suspected Spinal Injury Protocol - Narrated Presentation
Scenario/Skills Video 
Resource FAQ

​Several resource documents, presentations, etc. are being used.  There is no one particular way in which this information is required to be delivered.  The only requirement is that every NYS EMT must take the Bureau of EMS test. It is advised that you watch the webinar (which can be downloaded) before taking the test.