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1-10. SPLINTS

A splint is a device that immobilizes part of the casualty's body. Applying a splint to the injury helps to relieve pain and prevent further damage by minimizing movement. Splints are used to immobilize fractured bones, but they are also used to immobilize limbs with dislocations, sprains, and serious soft tissue injury. A splint may be a special device or a splint may be improvised. Some types of splints are briefly discussed below.

a. Traction Splint. A traction splint holds a fracture or dislocation of an extremity (usually a fracture of the femur) immobile and provides a steady pull (traction) to the extremity. The traction acts to align the fractured bone and protect the tissues surrounding the fracture site.

b. Pneumatic Splint. A pneumatic (air) splint is a cylinder made of double-walled, heavy-duty, clear plastic. The injured limb is placed inside the cylinder; then the cylinder is inflated to make the splint rigid. The splint immobilizes the fracture and provides pressure to the injured limb that helps control external and internal bleeding.

c. Wire Ladder Splint. A wire ladder splint is made of strong, lightweight wire that can be bent by hand to fit various shapes.

d. SAM Splint. The SAM (universal) splint consists of a sheet of aluminum with a foam covering. The splint can be bent by hand to fit various shapes.

e. Anatomical Splint. An anatomical splint exists when one part of the casualty's body is used to immobilize an injured part of the body. For example, a casualty's injured leg can be tied (secured) to his uninjured leg.

f. Improvised Splint. An improvised splint is made of one or more rigid objects that are secured to the injured limb with available materials. Boards, poles, tree limbs, rolled newspaper, and unloaded rifles are examples of materials that can be used as rigid objects. Bandages, strips of cloth torn from a shirt, and belts are some examples of securing materials.

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