With the onset of summer and the increased number of outdoor activities, the probability of getting injured also increases. If you have injured a bone or joint, then splinting it may help. When dealing with such conditions, provide pain relief to the injured region using splints.
A splint is a type of supportive device used to protect injuries or broken bones. Splints minimize joint displacement, skin and tissue damage and help reduce further injuries and pain. Whether you use a flexible or rigid splint will depend on the type of injury and body part you need to treat. You may be wondering, what can you use as a splint?
Why do we use Splints for Injuries?
When faced with a suspected fracture or dislocation, you need to splint or immobilize it. A splint provides pain relief and prevents further injury until a doctor sees the patient and determines if a cast is required.
Once you splint a fracture or sprain, you are helping facilitate the transport of the patient and ensure their comfort. However, A splint should only be used if a person must be moved to obtain medical attention or if EMS response time will be delayed. Correct splinting offers pain relief for the patient.
Learn What can be Used as a Splint
How to Use a Splint
There are four types of splints used in emergencies i.e. Soft splints, Rigid splints, Anatomical splints and slings. As an alternative to commercial slings and splints, everyday items like rolled newspapers, scarves, belts, and cushions can be utilized to make improvised slings and splints. Medical tape and braces are also effective in supporting strains and sprains.
Whether you have a ready-made splint or need to use something from the accident scene, you will also need bandages or fabric to wrap around the splint until it is secured.
Always splint an injury before moving the person to prevent any further harm. There are some exceptions to this; if the person is in the middle of the road or any other dangerous setting, move them first to avoid injuries from other sources.
Use bandages to stop any bleeding, but avoid pressing on the fracture. Severely deformed fractures and the lack of sensation require a doctor’s attention and shouldn’t be splinted because the process can worsen these injuries. Make the patient comfortable and keep the fracture motionless.
Splinting requires the immobilization of the joints above and below the injury to protect against the fracture. If the injury is on the forearm, then the splint must immobilize the elbow and wrist.
Check the pulse and sensation below the splint every hour. If there is tightness, tingling, or numbness, rewrap it, ensuring it is a bit looser. Before and after splinting, check the temperature and color of the skin below the injured area. The region should be warm, indicating adequate circulation. Call EMS/9-1-1 if you haven’t already if the area is cold before splinting. If the region was hot before splinting, but cold afterward, the splints may be too tight. Loosen it gently and reevaluate to see whether circulation has been restored. Remove any jewelry (rings or tight bracelets especially) that the sufferer is wearing above the site of impact to avoid swelling.
Splinting Upper Extremities
Collarbone, shoulder, and upper arm injuries require an arm sling extending down to the elbow. Wrap the sling to the person’s body, ensuring to encircle their chest.
Forearm and wrist injuries require a straight supportive splint that is aligned and secured and aligns on both sides of the injury.
Wrap injured fingers to the adjacent, unaffected fingers. You can apply small splints.
Splinting of Lower Extremities
- Fractures of the pelvis, hip, and upper leg require complete immobilizing because they can cause massive, life-threatening internal bleeding. Splinting is only done if immediate evacuation is impossible, and the splint must extend to the lower back and past the knee on the affected side.
- In knee injuries, the splint must extend to the hip and the ankle. Always apply them to the back of the leg and buttock.
- Usually, an ankle or foot injury just requires a bandage wrapped in a figure-of-eight pattern. If you need to prevent excessive movement, you can use a splint for an ankle injury by applying it to the back and sides of the ankle.
- Splinting supports can also be used along the back and sides of the ankle to prevent excessive movement. Always keep the foot at a right angle in the splint to immobilize the ankle.
- Wrap an injured toe to an adjacent unhurt toe until a medical professional can evaluate it.
What can be Used as a Splint?
You can use any material to create a splint if you are in a situation where you don’t have access to medical splints. Materials like branches, sticks, trekking poles, cardboard, and foam from a camping mattress are ideal for use as splints.
Tying a splint can also present a challenge if you don’t have bandages with you, but bandanas, rope, t-shirts, ACE wrap, tarp, and even puffy jackets are ideal for tying splints.
Suppose you have nothing to use as a splint; use the patient’s body to create one until medical help arrives. You can do this by using a bandage or other clothing item to tie the fractured arm, leg, or finger to their body, the other leg, or another finger.
Learn How to Treat Injuries With First Aid Training
Now you know what you can use as a splint! At Coast2Coast, our First Aid training courses teach you how to care for bone, muscle, and joint injuries correctly using splints. The Canadian Red Cross approved First Aid training is comprehensive, ensuring you can confidently apply everything you learn, whether you are a healthcare professional or just curious to get First Aid knowledge to help others when required.
