Treating Fractures in the Field
Lesson 3: Traction Splints
3-4
3-4. PLACE A CASUALTY WITH A TRACTION SPLINT ON A LITTER (LITTER BAR)
After the traction splint has been applied, attach the litter bar to the litter, place the casualty onto the litter, and secure the stirrup to the litter bar.
a. Attach Litter Bar. The litter bar attaches to the litter poles at the foot end of the litter. The litter bar locks the bottom of the splint support (stirrup of the Hare splint) in position. This helps to keep the leg immobile when the casualty is moved (carried by a litter team or placed in an evacuation vehicle).
(1) Place the litter bar on the litter poles at the end of the canvas bed of the litter. This position will keep the litter bar from interfering with the litter handles when carrying the litter or locking the litter in place in an evacuation vehicle.
(a) The strap attached to the bar should be free to go under the litter.
(b) The groove of the bar should be up.
(c) The locking cam on one side of the bar should be on the same side of the litter as the traction splint will be when the casualty is placed on the litter.
(d) Make sure the cam is in the open (unlocked) position.
(2) Pass the strap beneath the litter to the other side of the litter bar.
(3) Secure the litter bar by fastening the buckle at the end of the strap into the end of the litter bar and tightening the strap if needed.
b. Place Casualty on Litter.
(1) Place the litter next to and parallel with the casualty.
(2) Prepare to lift the casualty.
(a) If three people (bearers) are available, one bearer places his hands under the casualty's back and waist; the second places his hands under the casualty's hip and the calf of the uninjured leg; and the third places his hands under the traction splint.
(b) If only two people are available, one bearer slips his hands under the casualty's back and waist and the other bearer slips his hands under the casualty's thighs and calves.
(3) Upon commands of the leader, the bearers lift the casualty in unison, move the casualty over the litter, and lower the casualty onto the litter in unison.
c. Secure Splint Support to Litter Bar.
(1) Place the bottom of the splint support (stirrup) in the groove on the litter bar.
(2) Turn the cam and lock the splint support firmly in place.
d. Lift the Litter. Lift the litter using the appropriate litter carry and evacuate the casualty. Litter carries are presented in Subcourse MD0001, Evacuation in the Field.
