A spinal immobilisation apparatus has a harness for immovably securing to the torso of a person and a separate head support of collarless construction for mounting about the head of a person. Releasable connection allows the head support to be adjustably secured on the harness in relation to the shoulders and back of the wearer. The harness configuration allows ready access to the wearers chest area. Elastication allows the cheat to expand during breathing. The head support is of open-faced, open-topped structure having rigid side walls hingedly connected to a rigid rear wall.