Management of whiplash injuries presenting to accident and emergency departments in Wales.

OBJECTIVES To assess the use of soft collars for whiplash injuries presenting to Welsh accident and emergency departments and compare with recommended treatment as suggested by other literature. METHODS Questionnaires were sent to 76 full time accident and emergency staff across Wales inquiring into their management of soft tissue sprains/strains of the neck and soft collar use. RESULTS The overall response rate was 74% (SHO 70%, registrar 65%, consultant 100%). Half of consultants and more than half of the middle grade and junior staff reported soft collar use in this condition. As required wear was most commonly recommended and instructions for use ranged from one day only to until the patient was pain free. CONCLUSION The study recommends treatment protocols for whiplash injuries prescribing regular analgesia, early home exercises with the help of an advice sheet, and physiotherapy if symptoms persist.