Proper sizing of an extrication collar is extremely important.

A collar that is too large or too small will not provide the proper immobilization and could potentially result in serious harm to the patient.

To apply the collar the patient's head must be placed in neutral alignment.

Sizing Guidelines

Collar size is best determined by measuring the vertical distance between the top of the shoulder and the tip of the chin when the head is in neutral alignment. One responder should maintain support of the head and cervical spine and the other should measure the collar size. The table below may be used as a guideline for measurements.