Gents;
I read these comments in passing, personally a bit aghast at the negative comments er The KED is not useless?? must disagree it is a very important part of kit on any rig anywhere.
I reflect back to our friend bandaidpatrol and his comments on the genesis of spinal immobilization from the short back board made in the shop from a piece of 3/4 inch plywood, I don't have a study to quote but I know that the KED really made a difference in many that I have transported to be certain.
But I have always wondered how we stabilized with an "Z" shaped piece of open cell foam, and despite all our training we felt compelled to strap a (chin) strap, to assure that a patient (while on their backs) would have great difficulty puking/ hurl/ toss lunch? Besides the fact that the mandible is a movable joint? huh?
Fortunately a NEW WAY... a lighter, a firm pad and a better way to secure the head... the OSS Oregon Spinal Splint from Skedco. I was so impressed I bought one, have used it in confined spaces, back-country when the chopper is way too small to "stokes basket" and in SAR cause its way lighter packing the SKED system about in the bush, all in all a better way.
just my 2 pesos, er drachmas, or Krugerrands.