McKesson Head-On System

When a patient with a suspected spinal injury is being packaged for transport, cervical immobilization can't be an afterthought. The McKesson Head-On System is built around one job: keeping the head and neck stabilized against a backboard so that lateral movement is minimized during extrication, transfer, and transport. It's a staple for EMS crews, ambulance services, and emergency departments that need dependable, repeatable head immobilization on every call.

At the core of the system are the Head-On System Head Blocks (401/401E), molded from 6 mil polyethylene foam in high-visibility yellow. The foam construction is firm enough to hold the head in a neutral, aligned position yet light enough to add negligible weight to the board. The bright color helps responders position and check placement quickly in low-light or high-stress scenes, and the closed-cell surface is designed to be wiped down between uses.

A common question crews ask is whether the blocks work with their existing spinal boards and straps. The Head-On blocks are designed to pair with head straps and a compatible backboard to complete the immobilization; the blocks handle lateral restraint of the head while your strapping secures the forehead and chin. If you're standardizing your fleet, it's worth deciding on one immobilization approach and stocking consistently so any responder can package a patient the same way every time.

If you're comparing head immobilization options, it helps to look at how different systems mount and strap. Explore related setups like the Head & Shoulders system, the Hex-On system, and the Hybrid Complete System to find the configuration that matches your boards and protocols.