Cervical collar having height and circumferential adjustment

A cervical collar having an adjustable height, comprising:

• a front component constructed from a compressible foam material, the front component defining a portion of a tracheal opening located within a center portion of the front component and side portions extending from opposed sides of the center portion;
• a height adjustment mechanism directly secured to the front component at only the center portion of the front component, the height adjustment mechanism forms a substantially rigid border about an entirety of a periphery of the tracheal opening, the center portion defined to include the tracheal opening and areas of the cervical collar proximate the tracheal opening;
• and
• a sternum pad formed from a compressible foam material, the height adjustment mechanism selectively connecting the front component to the sternum pad at a permanently locked position among a plurality of predefined distances defined along an adjustable length located between the front component and the sternum pad and forming part of the height of the cervical collar;
• wherein the height adjustment mechanism includes an upper part secured to the front component and bordering an upper portion of the tracheal opening, the upper part defines a chin portion protruding outwardly from the front component so as to form a gap variable in that the wearer can adjust the chin slightly while the neck is immobilized;
• wherein the sternum pad borders a lower portion of the tracheal opening, a lower part of the height adjustment mechanism defining a central tab having a living hinge, and side tabs, the side tabs straddling the central tab and the side tabs are spaced apart from the central tab by a clearance, the sternum pad is secured to the lower part of the height adjustment mechanism by fasteners at the side tabs.