a particle filled neck brace is used for immobilizing the neck and chin of a patient and includes a vacuum pump disposed on the neck brace , which pump is communicated to the interior of the neck brace . after the neck brace is secured around the neck and chin of the patient , the vacuum pump is manipulated to remove air from the neck brace to form a rigid mold about the patient &# 39 ; s neck and chin . the vacuum pump has a one way directional valve so that the neck brace remains in a rigid configuration for as long as the neck brace is applied to the patient . the neck brace also specifically forms a rigid mold over the patient &# 39 ; s chin so as to immobilize the patient as well as to provide a comfortable fit without inducing further distracting the patient or restricting the patient &# 39 ; s venous return blood flow .