Keywords
Abstract
Introduction: Initial care for polytrauma patients requires highly qualified professionals capable of teamwork, particularly in emergencies that demand precision and agility. Continuous professional development is essential to ensure high-quality care. Objective: To assess the knowledge of physicians, nurses, and nursing technicians regarding the use of cervical collars and rigid boards in the management of polytrauma patients in a trauma referral hospital. Method: This was a quantitative-descriptive, exploratory study conducted in a hospital specializing in medium- and high-complexity trauma care. Inclusion criteria included physicians, nurses, and nursing technicians working in the emergency department with at least six months of experience in emergency care. Exclusion criteria involved professionals from other sectors covering shifts in the emergency department or those on medical leave or vacation during data collection. Data were gathered through structured interviews, following approval by the Research Ethics Committee. Results: The findings revealed gaps in the knowledge of emergency professionals regarding spinal motion restriction in trauma victims, with responses predominantly ranging between "always" and "sometimes" on the applied scale. These deficiencies hinder the proper implementation of trauma protocols. Conclusion: The study highlighted the need for continuous education to enhance care delivery, mitigate risks, and ensure safe and high-quality management of polytrauma patients.