spider strap

English

Etymology

From the resemblance to a spider's many legs.

Noun

spider strap (plural spider straps)

1. A system of connected straps (for example on luggage or for equine use).
2. (emergency medicine, chiefly in the plural) One of a ten-armed system of straps used by responders in backboard immobilization.
   • 1995, Nancy L. Caroline, Nancy L. Caroline, Emergency care in the streets, link:

     "SPIDER STRAPS" provide a very quick and efficient way to secure a patient to a long backboard.

   • 2005, Dee Henderson, The Protector, link:

     She secured the straps, pulling them tight to let the weight settle to her shoulder and back muscles. Fanning the spider straps of the face mask, she took a deep breath and donned it chin first, then straps at the neck, temple,

   • 2009, Sacred Trust, page 152:

     “Hey,” Beverly said, looking with dismay at the spider straps that secured Frankie to the backboard. “Dr. Bower, how can I get an EKG with him strapped down?”

Quotations

For quotations using this term, see Citations:spider strap.