Cut and rip and cut alone techniques versus usual practice in the removal of trauma patient clothing

IntroductionRapid exposure of a trauma patient is an essential component of the primary survey. No gold standard exists regarding the best technique to remove clothing from a trauma patient. The purpose of this study is to compare two techniques of clothing removal versus usual practice using standard trauma shears. Methods: Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) students were randomized to either the Cut and Rip (CAR) or Cut Alone (CAL) techniques to remove clothing from a standardized trauma mannequin. Practicing paramedics were recruited to remove clothing from the mannequin using Usual Practice (UP). Total time and time for removal of individual pieces of clothing was recorded. Results: Twenty-four participants (8 per group) were recruited to participate. The student groups (CAR, CAL) were similar in mean age (29, 27), years of practice (1 student >5 years) and male gender (63, 43%). The UP group was older (mean 34), more experienced (63% practice >5 years), and had a higher level of training (63% ACP) but a similar percentage of males (63%). Removal time was significantly less in the CAR group compared to the CAL group (mean 104 seconds, 95% CI 88-120 vs. mean 136 seconds, 95% CI 119-154, p=0.02). Removal times in the UP group were not significantly different from the other groups (mean 124 seconds, 95% CI 108-140, p>0.05). Conclusion: The CAR technique is faster than both CAL and UP groups to remove clothing from a standard trauma mannequin.