Editing Cervical collar (section)

== Application and care ==
When applying a cervical collar, it must be tight enough to immobilize the neck but must be loose enough to avoid pressure on the vasculature of the neck, strangulation, and pressure ulcers. Ideally, any clothing or jewelry in the neck area should be removed before applying the collar. Next, a collar size must be chosen according to the patient's size and build. The practitioner will then measure the length of the neck. The collar is then placed by one practitioner while the other holds the neck still. Then, the collar should be locked to the ideal neck length according to the specific  manufacturer's manual. The chin must be in the chin piece and the collar must extend down to the sternal notch. If the patient has a tracheostomy hole, medical professionals must assure that the hole is midline and accessible in a patient with a cervical collar. Some common errors include incorrect chosen collar size, incorrect technique in placing collar, and incorrect measurement of neck length. <ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Kreinest M, Goller S, Rauch G, Frank C, Gliwitzky B, Wölfl CG, Matschke S, Münzberg M |date=2015-11-20 |title=Application of Cervical Collars - An Analysis of Practical Skills of Professional Emergency Medical Care Providers |journal=PLOS ONE |volume=10 |issue=11 |pages=e0143409 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0143409 |pmc=4654515 |pmid=26587650 |bibcode=2015PLoSO..1043409K |veditors=Shamji M|doi-access=free }}</ref>

Cervical collars and patient's necks  should be evaluated and cleaned frequently for hygienic purposes as well as to avoid pressure ulcers. When the neck area is being cleaned, it is again important for two people to help remove the collar. One person must help hold the neck and keep it aligned while the other unfastens the straps and removes the collar. The area is then cleaned with soap, water, and washcloths. If there is evidence of skin breakdown, other topical agents and even antibiotics may be used if there is evidence of infection as well.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 2015 |title=Cervical Collar: Skin Care Needs of the Patient Wearing a Cervical Collar |url=https://www.mnhospitals.org/Portals/0/Documents/patientsafety/PU_Med_dev/Sample_Policy_Cervical_Collar.pdf |work=Barnes-Jewish Hospital |vauthors=Nash J}}</ref>