Kendricks Extrication Device

The Extrication Device (KED) is a spinal immobilization tool mainly used in pre-hospital and rescue settings. It’s designed to stabilize and safely extricate patients from confined spaces or vehicles when spinal injury is suspected.

• Spinal immobilization

  • Provides support to the head, neck, and torso in suspected spinal injuries.

  • Helps maintain alignment of the spine during movement.

• Vehicle extrication

  • Commonly used to remove accident victims from cars when they may have cervical spine or thoracic injuries.

  • Allows rescuers to immobilize the patient before carefully sliding them out.

• Confined-space rescue

  • Useful in tight spaces such as collapsed buildings, trenches, or small rooms where stretchers or spine boards cannot initially be applied.

• Transfer to a long spine board

  • After securing the patient with the KED, they can be moved onto a long spine board for further transport.

• Pediatric immobilization

  • Can be adapted for children and small adults when spinal immobilization is needed.

• Temporary immobilization during movement

  • Provides immobilization when a cervical collar alone is insufficient but a full spine board cannot be immediately applied.