Redi-ACE
Warnings
The Ambu Redi-ACE collar is intended for application by licensed health care practitioners as directed
by a physician or other medical authority. Permanent injury may result from use other than as directed
by a physician or other medical authority.
An extrication collar is only part of total patient immobilization.
It is important that practitioners are trained and practiced in the use and application of the device and
that all instructions are read and understood prior to application of the collar.
All directions are to be considered as guidelines and not an attempt to define medical practice. Use the
device only after review and approval from the supervising medical authority.
The collar is intended for Single Patient use only due to the risk of cross contamination.
Principles of Immobilization
Prevention and/or further extension of damage to the cervical spine and spinal cord is accomplished by
maintaining the head and neck in a position of "neutral alignment." The head and neck should not be
flexed forward, extended backward, or cocked to one side or the other. The neutral alignment position
prevents damaged vertebrae or foreign bodies from rubbing and/or cutting the spinal cord. Additionally,
the neutral alignment position prevents the spinal cord from being twisted or compressed causing
physical and/or ischemic injury to the spinal cord.
It is important that practitioners are trained and practiced in the use and application of the device and that
all instructions are read and understood prior to application of the collar.
All directions are to be considered as guidelines and not an attempt to define medical practice. Use the
device only after review and approval from the supervising medical authority.
Check the device before use.
Patient to be monitored while device is in use.
1. Intended use
The Ambu® Redi-ACE collar is a one-piece rigid cervical spine immobilization device designed to assist the
rescuer with the maintenance of neutral alignment, prevention of lateral (side-to-side) sway and anterior-
posterior (forward and backward) flexion and extension of the cervical spine during transport and routine
patient care or movement.
2. Specifications
Storage temperature:
Tested at -30 °C (-22 °F) and +70 °C (158 °F) according to EN 1789
Operational Temperature:
-10 °C ~ +40 °C (14 °F ~ 104 °F)
3. Parts/Materials
Main panel:
Polypropylene
Sliding panel:
Polypropylene
Buttons:
Polyamide
4. Sizing and Application
4.1 Sizing (1) (2)
•
Measure the distance between an imaginary plane drawn horizontally and immediately below the
patient's chin and second horizontal plane drawn immediately on top of the patient's shoulder.
•
Compare this distance with the distance from the collar sizing line to the lower aspect of the plastic
collar body (not the foam).
6
Velcro:
Polyamide
Foam:
IXPE
•
Adjust the collar to the appropriate size.
•
Simply pull the collar apart until the distance between the sizing line and the plastic collar body equals
your finger measurement.
•
Engage the safety locks by pushing DOWN the locking buttons.
•
If the Ambu Redi-ACE needs to be resized, disengage the safety locks by lifting the locking buttons.
•
The Ambu Redi-ACE may now be adjusted to the appropriate size.
•
Now engage the safety locks by pushing DOWN the locking buttons.
4.2 Application (3)
•
Proper application of any extrication collar requires two individuals. The first rescuer should maintain
stabilization and neutral alignment of the head and neck.
•
The second rescuer should slide the front of the collar along the patient's chest and position the chin
piece. The collar body should rest on the top of the patient's shoulder and against the sternum
without gaps. The patient's chin must rest securely in the chin piece in neutral alignment position.
•
While holding the front of the collar in place, wrap the back of the collar around the back of the
patient's head and neck and secure to the front of the collar with the Velcro® tab.
•
Adjust the Velcro tab as necessary by holding the front cutout of the collar and tightening the Velcro tab.
4.3 Supine Application (4)
If the patient is supine, slide the back portion of the collar directly behind the patient's neck.
The collar may be applied from either side. Once the back portion of the collar is evenly positioned behind
the head, the front portion of the collar can be positioned under the chin. While maintaining the proper
positioning of the collar with one hand, attach the Velcro with the other hand. Ensure that the loop Velcro
tab is firmly attached and parallel to the fixed hook Velcro tab on the front of the collar.
4.4 Tube hook (5)
A nasal airway tubing can be attached to the hooks at both sides.
Warnings
Maintain neutral head and neck alignment during the entire procedure. Once the collar is properly
applied and the patient is immobilized, the head should not be released. Further immobilize the head
and neck with head blocks or a head immobilizer and secure the patient to the backboard with
appropriate retention straps.
Caution
US federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.
Cleaning
To eliminate any risk of cross infection between patients it is recommended according to the local guidelines
of medical waste to discard the product after use.
The surface of the product can be cleaned with water and a mild detergent or using a disinfecting agent.
Rinse it thoroughly with clean water and allow it to dry before reuse.
Before reuse, make sure that the product is intact and fully operationable. Otherwise it should be discarded.
Warranty/Guarantee
Ambu warrants its products to be free from defects in workmanship and materials when purchased
through Ambu or its authorized channels of distribution and used in accordance with recommended
procedures. Should any product be found to be defective when unpacked, obtain a return authorization
number from Ambu before sending it back. Repair or replacement will be made at no charge.
7