Clinical-Grade Head Immobilization for Trauma and Pre-Hospital Care
The VM-HIAO Adult Head Immobilizer (DW-FA001A) is a purpose-built head immobilization device designed to restrict lateral and axial head movement in patients with suspected spinal injury. Used in conjunction with a cervical collar and spine board or scoop stretcher, it completes the full spinal precaution package required in pre-hospital emergency care, trauma bay management, and emergency department treatment of suspected cervical spine injury. Without effective head immobilization, even a correctly applied cervical collar cannot prevent rotational and lateral movement that risks secondary spinal cord injury during patient movement and transport.
HDPE Construction with Waterproof, Non-Absorbent Inner Wall
The side support blocks are manufactured from durable HDPE (high-density polyethylene) with a waterproof plastic coating. The inner wall surface is non-absorbent — it does not retain blood, fluids, or contaminants between uses. The coating allows quick wipe-down between patients and resists bacterial colonisation on contact surfaces, an important consideration in both EMS and emergency department settings. Each side block weighs only 150 grams, keeping the total device weight low for patient comfort and ease of carry in emergency response bags and kits.
Dual-Strap Fixation, Quick-Release Lock, and Airway Access
Two immobilization straps — one securing the forehead and one securing the chin and jaw — provide dual-point fixation that prevents both lateral rotation and anterior flexion of the head. Single-strap designs do not adequately prevent forward flexion; dual-point fixation is the accepted clinical standard for effective head immobilization on a spine board. The quick-release card lock mechanism allows the device to be opened rapidly when the airway needs to be accessed or the patient repositioned, without fumbling with conventional buckles under field or resuscitation conditions. A dedicated disposable airway access point allows an oral airway adjunct to be inserted or maintained without disturbing the head immobilizer. Large ear holes on both side blocks maintain access to the patient’s ear canal for neurological assessment and fluid monitoring. The adhesive base plate uses replaceable pads and is compatible with wooden, aluminium, and plastic spine boards and scoop stretchers. X-ray, CT, and MRI compatibility means the device does not require removal during diagnostic imaging, maintaining spinal precaution throughout the assessment phase. Certified to CE and ISO 9001. Available in South Africa from Vital Medical.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | DW-FA001A |
| SKU | VM-HIAO |
| Type | Adult Head Immobilizer |
| Side Block Material | HDPE plastic-coated solid foam |
| Inner Wall | Non-absorbent |
| Surface Finish | Waterproof plastic coating |
| Side Block Weight | 150 g per block |
| Immobilization Straps | 2 (head strap + chin/jaw strap) |
| Block Adjustment | Multi-directional |
| Lock Mechanism | Quick-release card lock |
| Airway Access | Disposable airway compatible |
| Ear Access | Large ear holes (bilateral) |
| Base Plate | Adhesive with replaceable pads |
| Board Compatibility | Wooden, aluminium, and plastic spine boards; scoop stretchers |
| Imaging Compatibility | X-ray, CT, MRI compatible |
| Patient Age | 2 years and above |
| Product Size (L × W × H) | 42 × 26 × 18 cm |
| Net Weight | 1 kg |
| Certifications | CE, ISO 9001 |

