1 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
A SKED© is a stretcher typically used for for confined space, high angle, or technical rescue. SKED© is not an acronym; the word came from fusing two words: "Sled" and "Skid." Over the last several years, as recommendations for spinal protection and utilization of adjunct field hardware for patient application changes, there have been conflicting training and practice regarding optimizing patient packaging utilizing the SKED© system. Specifically, there is disagreement in terms of optimal packaging to ensure no decompensation of respiratory status of the patient objectively, as well as comfort level subjectively solely related to the packaging method utilized. Several training bodies currently employ different practices of packaging including use of an Oregon Spine Splint-II© (OSS-II) system within a SKED©, foam padding, vacuum mattress configuration, or even no additional adjunct at all. The objective of this study is to determine whether adjuncts to the SKED© system impact respiratory physiology, or patient comfort while being dragged over horizontal ground.