Table 2 Items included in factors identified by exploratory factor analysis in a paramedic spine survey

Factor 1: Judging MOIs

Question

Text (Yes/No response: Does this MOI have the potential to cause a spine injury?)

Factor loading¹

4.7

Elderly adult (> 65). Fall from standing. Laceration to the face. No loss of consciousness

0.68

4.3

Adult, assaulted. Punched in the face. No weapons used. Fell to the ground

0.68

4.8

Elderly adult (> 65), assaulted. Punched in the face. No weapons. Fell to the ground

0.64

4.11

Elderly adult (> 65). Syncopal episode. Fall from standing

0.64

4.5

Adult, tripped coming down stairs. Fell to the ground from one step

0.59

4.6

Adult, fall from standing. Laceration to the face. No loss of consciousness

0.54

4.12

Child (8 years old), fall from a slide onto grass, 2 m. Hit head. Unknown if there was a loss of consciousness

0.43

4.1

Child (7 years old), restrained on a booster seat on the driver’s side, rear. MVC while turning left. Hit by a vehicle travelling 40—50 km/hr on the passenger side. Moderate damage at point of impact. Front air-bags deployed. Windshield intact

0.42

4.9

Adult, restrained driver, MVC while turning left. Hit by a vehicle travelling 40—50 km/hr on the passenger side. Moderate damage at point of impact. Front air-bags deployed. Windshield intact

0.40

Factor 2: Treatment Value

Question

Text (Likert-scale response)

Factor loading¹

1.2

In your estimation, how often have you observed SMR ineffectively limit motion or cause more motion than no treatment or alternatives?

0.75

2.3

Among patients at risk for spine injury and in a cervical collar, how often do you observe patient movement that you feel could potentially cause further harm to their spine?

0.74

2.2

How often have you observed complications of a cervical collar resulting in more patient movement than no treatment or alternative / improvised treatment

0.67

1.1

In your opinion, how effectively does SMR as currently practiced limit patient motion?

0.67

1.3

Among patients at risk for spine injury and in SMR, how often do you observe patient motion that you feel could potentially cause further harm to their spine?

0.67

2.1

In your opinion, how effectively does a cervical collar restrict head motion in a potentially spine-injured patient?

0.51

1.8

Do you feel SMR is seen as less or more important than it was in the past?

0.38

3.2

In general and in your opinion, would you rate your service’s criteria for determining the need for spinal precaution as not restrictive enough (patients left untreated who need it) or too restrictive (too many patients treated who do not need it)?

0.38