Where should the Kendrick Extraction Device be optimally placed on the patient's body?

The Kendrick Extraction Device (KED) is specifically designed to immobilize and transport patients who may have spinal injuries while providing the ability to extricate them from vehicles or other confined spaces. The optimal placement of the KED is vertically along the patient's spine. This positioning allows the device to effectively support the spine and maintain alignment, which is crucial in preventing further injury during transport.

Aligning the KED with the spine ensures that it can stabilize the head and neck, while also providing the necessary support to the thoracic and lumbar regions. This configuration is vital for minimizing movement of the spine and preventing exacerbation of potential injuries during the extraction process. The design of the KED allows for its harness to wrap around the torso and secure the patient without compromising their spinal alignment.

Other placements, such as across the chest or over the thighs, would not provide the same level of spinal support and could lead to additional movement of the spine during handling, which is risky for a patient suspected of having a spinal injury. Therefore, the vertical alignment along the spine is not only optimal but essential for the safety and efficacy of the KED in emergency scenarios.