The Kendrick Extrication Device (KED) is a device that is used in vehicle extrication to remove a patient from a motor vehicle. A KED is generally only used on stable patients; unstable patients are extricated with rapid extrication techniques without applying a KED.
A KED is used in conjunction with a cervical collar to help immobilize a patient’s head, neck and spine in the normal anatomical position (neutral position). This position helps prevent additional injuries to these regions during vehicle extrication.
A KED wraps a person’s head, back, shoulders, and torso in a semi-rigid brace, immobilizing the head, neck and spine. Typically there are two head straps, three torso straps, and two legs straps which are used to adequately secure the KED to the patient. Unlike a back board, the KED uses a series of wooden or polymer bars in a nylon jacket, allowing the responders to immobilize the patent’s spine and neck, and remove them from the vehicle/confined space. KEDs can also be used to fully immobilize pediatric patients.
