A Thoracic Elevation Device (TED) should be used for any patient <8 years of age requiring spinal precautions and cervical spine (C-spine) evaluation following trauma and/or any assessment, diagnostic imaging or treatment situation requiring neutral C-spine alignment.

The TED is a mat used to provide an appropriate offset between the supine paediatric patient’s head and torso ensuring the neck is not placed in a flexed position and an open airway is maintained.

Other patients with conditions causing an abnormally large head should also use a TED mat including patients with achondroplasia or hydrocephalus.

The TED:

• Offsets larger occiput in paediatric patients
• Maintains neck in correct neutral position
• Avoids flexion of the neck and airway
• May reduce pressure areas  

         
TED comprises four sections which can be folded in two (half thickness) or four (full thickness):

The TED is not used in the fully laid out position at RCH.

To use the TED mat:

• Fold the TED to required thickness (depending on the patient size, based on the reference below).
• Position the TED on the bed before patient arrival
• Transfer the patient onto the TED in supine position ensuring the ear is in line with the shoulder in the sagittal plane.
• The patient’s head is positioned off the TED.  Feet may be on or off the pad according to patient length.