Treating Fractures in the Field
Lesson 4: Fractures of the Lower
Extremities
4-8
4-8. IMMOBILIZE A FRACTURED OR DISLOCATED ANKLE USING A SAM SPLINT
The universal splint, called the SAM splint, can be used as the rigid object in splinting a fractured or dislocated ankle. The SAM splint is a piece of flat aluminum about 36 inches long and about 4.5 inches wide completely covered by foam that serves as padding for the splint. The SAM splint is lightweight (less than 7 ounces). The splint is rolled up for easy storing (see figure 4-13A) and can be reused.
a. Unroll the SAM splint and flatten it.
b. Fold the SAM splint in half so it is a tall "V" shape.
Figure 4-13. SAM splint applied to a fractured ankle.
c. Bend the edges of the splint in until the splint generally conforms to the curve and shape of the foot and leg being splinted. Each half of the splint will have a "U" shape (see figure 4-13B). Bending the edges also increases the rigidity of the SAM splint.
d. Flatten the vertex of the splint so the bottom of the casualty's foot will fit comfortably.
e. Check the casualty's pulse below the fracture/dislocation site.
f. Apply the splint around the casualty's foot and leg. Adjust the shape of the SAM splint to conform to the limb, if needed.
g. Secure the splint using at least three cravats (see figure 4-13C).
(1) Tie the tails of the cravats in a non-slip knot on the outside of the splint. Tuck the ends of the tails into the cravat to prevent accidental entanglement when the casualty is moved.
(2) Check the casualty's pulse after each cravat is applied. If the pulse can no longer be detected, loosen the cravat and apply it again.
