ASTM F1559-94

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
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Designation: F 1559 – 94
Standard Guide for
Characteristics for Cervical Spine Immobilization Collar(s)
(CSIC)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1559; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
The objective of this guide is to begin to address the recognized need to support and immobilize the
components of the spine or spinal cord. Although this guide does not quantitatively address
performance standards for this device, it does address the characteristics of the device(s) used to
provide support and immobilization of the components of the central nervous system for the patient
suspected of receiving trauma to that body system.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This guide establishes minimum standards for devices, 3.1 Definitions:
designated here as cervical spine immobilization collar(s) 3.1.1 retention system—a retention system is an adjunct to
(CSIC), commonly referred to as cervical collars. The CSIC is or an integral part of the primary platform that allows the
used as the initial device for immobilization of the cervical patient to be securely attached to that platform used in
spine, of a patient by emergency medical service personnel. whatever configuration and size necessary to accomplish the
1.2 This guide does not identify specific degrees of limita- goal, while still allowing reasonable and necessary access to
tion of motion achieved by placement of a CSIC on a patient. the patient.
Definitive requirements for immobilization of the spine, and, in 3.1.2 spinal immobilization—spinal immobilization shall
particular, the degree of limitation associated with the use of a refer to immobilization of the spine and its contiguous struc-
CSIC, has not been established in the medical literature. tures, the pelvis, and skull.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the 3.1.3 spine—the spine shall include the cervical, thoracic,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the lumbar, and sacral vertebrae.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 3.2.1 cervical spine immobilization collar—a device that
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. can be applied and secured to a patient to support and
immobilize the cervical spine during immobilization and
2. Referenced Documents
transportation.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2.2 directions of movement—directions include flexion,
F 1177 Terminology Relating to Emergency Medical Ser- extension, rotation, distraction, lateral motion, and axial com-
vices
pression motion.
2.2 Centers for Disease Control Standard: 3.2.3 immobilization—limitation of motion.
Guidelines for Prevention of Transmission of HIV and HBV
3.3 For definitions of other terms used in this guide, refer to
to Healthcare and Public Safety Workers Terminology F 1177.
2.3 OSHA Standard:
4. Significance and Use
29 CFR 1910.1030 Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne
Pathogens; Final Rule 4.1 The intent of this guide is to identify characteristics that
a CSIC shall possess.
4.2 It is not expected that the CSIC will be used alone to
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F-30 on Emergency
provide the entire scope of required immobilization. Clinical
Medical Services and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F30.01 on EMS
situations may require differing combinations of devices for
Equipment.
adequate total spinal immobilization. A CSIC may be one of
Current edition approved Oct. 15, 1994. Published December 1994.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 13.01. the devices.
Available from Center for Disease Control, A
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