Operational Medicine 2001
SAM Splint

The SAM Splint replaces the old wire gauze roll carried in the Unit One Bag. Constructed of foam-covered aluminum, it is both strong and light in weight (half the weight of the wire gauze roll).. 

It is 4.5" wide and 36" long. It is originally packaged in a roll, but many individuals convert it to a flat, folded package for ease in storage.

To apply a SAM splint:

• Make no attempt to straighten a suspected fracture. Splint it exactly as it is found. Straightening the limb runs the risk of further injuring the limb and is usually not a good idea in a field setting.
• Shape the splint to the limb. You will want to immobilize the joint above and the joint below the injury. In this example of a forearm injury, the splint extends below the wrist (immobilizing it) and above the elbow (immobilizing it).
• Bend the splint into a U-shape. This cradles the arm, giving greater protection and making the splint more comfortable. It also give the splint greater structural strength.
• Wrap the splint and the limb with a roller bandage so that the splint and the limb are firmly bonded together. Don't make the wrapping so tight that blood flow through the limb is obstructed. Commonly-used wrapping materials include Coban Self-Adherent Wrap, Ace Bandages, Kerlix Gauze, and Adhesive Tape.
• For upper extremity injuries, place a sling on the patient to keep the arm elevated and immobile. A chest strap across the arm in a sling will keep the arm tight against the chest.
• For victims in severe pain, administer morphine.

For open fractures or other open wounds, the application of the splint is the same. However, you may need to apply bandages or dressings to the open wounds before placing the splint in place.

For lower extremity applications, you may need to use two splints instead of one. Two splints can be overlapped at one end and taped in place with adhesive tape.

In addition to the splinting techniques shown here, finger splints can be constructed by cutting the SAM Splint with scissors to the right size, and then folding under the sharp edges.

For even greater structural strength, after curving the splint in a "U" shape, bend the edges down slightly. This triple curve construction is very resistant to bending.

Splint Structural Aluminum Malleable (Gray) 4.5”X36” “SAM”

Weight: 0.25 pounds

NSN: 6510-01-225-4681

Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited.

The listing of any non-Federal product in this CD is not an endorsement of the product itself, but simply an acknowledgement of the source. 

Operational Medicine 2001
Health Care in Military Settings

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