Dr. David Wampler

Dr. David Wampler believes sacred cows make the best hamburger.

As a course director within the School of Health Professions, he trains fourth-year medical students and experienced paramedics who are continuing their education. He uses evidence-based medicine in teaching long-time paramedics new techniques.

“Sometimes we were trained in a certain way because our teachers were trained that way. We are trying to break dogma,” Wampler said. “Sacred cows are delicious and make good hamburger.”

Wampler is investigating a 30-year-old sacred cow: the efficacy of the long spine board, which is used to secure accident victims to a stable surface for transport to a hospital.

Wampler wanted to reinvent the board to protect victims with spinal injury. After discussing the idea with his students, he wonders if paramedics should consider eliminating the long spine board altogether.

A new study, which includes two geo-spatial motion-capture suits, will allow the team to investigate how a body moves during ambulance transport: Is a neck injury protected best on the long spine board? Is sitting up preferable? Would a cushioned mattress cradle the spine better?

The goal is to protect the spine and prevent aggravating injuries in a jostling ambulance, he explained: “We are trying to find the right tools to protect injured patients.”