SE7 - Spinal Immobilisation Equipment

Purpose

To establish the appropriate requirements for spinal immobilisation equipment at aquatic facilities.

Description

Spinal injuries can result from a number of activities within an aquatic environment; for example an impact to the bottom of a pool after diving into shallow water. Providing appropriate spinal immobilisation equipment can reduce the risk of further serious injury.

All aquatic facilities should provide spinal immobilisation equipment for use by trained personnel in minor and major emergencies.

They should be located in an area that is clearly visible, accessible and not exposed to extreme temperatures. They should be clearly signed and maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Contents

Spinal Immobilisation equipment should include the following as a minimum:

• Spinal Board (Impervious to bodily fluids,100% Xray translucency and Buoyant
• Spinal Board Straps

Pre Operational Checks

Spinal Immobilisation equipment should be inspected and checked for correct operation and adequacy prior to an Aquatic Facility opening to the public each day.

This information should be recorded

This includes but is not limited to:

• Checking all equipment has been cleaned and is fully operational
• Checking there is adequate number of equipment

Expiry dates and stock levels should be assessed and recorded on a regular basis, at least monthly.

Servicing

All equipment should be serviced and maintained in accordance with the manufacturers' recommendations or at least annually, or after any problem in operation, or when the trained operator is uncertain of performance.

Qualifications

Staffs at an Aquatic Facility who have a duty of care to use spinal immobilisation equipment at an aquatic facility should:

1. Hold one of the following (or equivalent) current nationally recognised Statement/s of Attainment issued by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for the nationally endorsed first aid unit/s of competency:
   • PUAEME004A Provide emergency care for suspected spinal injury
   • SISCAQU318 Perform advanced water rescues
   • HLTAID006A Provide Advanced First Aid

References

• Work Place Health and Safety Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – First Aid Code of Practice
• Australian Qualifications Framework