HPR 010 Lecture Notes - Lecture 19: Splints, Bone Fracture, Necktie
12 Jun 2018
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Chapter 16 – Splinting Extremities
Splinting Extremities
- Injured extremities should be stabilized by splinting the extremity in the position in which it
was found.
- Stabilize: minimize further injury by holding a body part to prevent movement.
- All fractures should be stabilized before a person is moved.
Reasons for Splinting
- Reduce pain.
- Prevent damage to muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
- Prevent a closed fracture from becoming an open fracture.
- Reduce bleeding and swelling.
- Prevent a fractured bone from moving into soft tissues.
Types of Splints
- Rigid splint
o Inflexible device used to maintain stability
o Must be long enough to be secured above and below fracture site
- Soft splint
o Pillow
o Useful for lower leg
o Useful for forearm
- Self-splint, or anatomic splint
o Uses the body
o Injured extremity tied to an uninjured part
To Apply a Splint
- All fractures and dislocations should be stabilized before the person is moved.
o Cover open wounds with sterile dressing.
o Check circulation, sensation, and movement.
o If pulses are absent:
▪ Gently line up a fracture or dislocation.
▪ Do not force anything into position.
▪ Warn the person.
- Use the rule of thirds.
o If the injury is in the upper or lower third of a bone:
▪ Extend the splint above and below the joint.
o If the injury is in the middle third:
▪ Stabilize the joints above and below the fracture.
o Place an injured arm in a sling and swathe.
- If two first aid providers are present:
o One should support the injury site.
o Minimize movement of the extremity.
- When possible, place splint materials on both sides of the injured part.
- Apply splints firmly, but do not restrict blood flow.
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Document Summary
Injured extremities should be stabilized by splinting the extremity in the position in which it was found. Stabilize: minimize further injury by holding a body part to prevent movement. All fractures should be stabilized before a person is moved. Prevent damage to muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. Prevent a closed fracture from becoming an open fracture. Prevent a fractured bone from moving into soft tissues. Inflexible device used to maintain stability: must be long enough to be secured above and below fracture site. Soft splint: pillow, useful for lower leg, useful for forearm. Self-splint, or anatomic splint: uses the body. All fractures and dislocations should be stabilized before the person is moved: cover open wounds with sterile dressing, check circulation, sensation, and movement. If pulses are absent: gently line up a fracture or dislocation, do not force anything into position, warn the person.
