Splints are an effective first aid treatment for injured bones, major sprains and muscle strains. When applied correctly, a splint will prevent movement at the injured site, reducing pain and stopping further injury. There are many different types of splints, designed to provide support and stabilisation to different areas of the body, including the arms, legs, hands, ankles, neck, pelvis and more.
In this guide, we answer questions like: What is a splint? When should a splint be used? And how do you apply a splint properly?
What is a splint?
A splint is a medical device used to stabilise an injured body part and prevent further injury.
Splints are often used when someone has a broken bone. They can also be used to stabilise a sprained joint or a severe strain. Splints help reduce pain by preventing the injured area from moving, and they also prevent further injury to muscles, nervous tissue and blood vessels.
In an emergency situation, a splint should be applied before moving the patient. In some cases, a splint may be required long-term to support the recovery of an injury.
Types of splint
Splints can be rigid or flexible. The type of splint required depends on the type of injury and what part of the body is affected. Splints are most commonly associated with broken arms and legs, but splints can also be used on other parts of the body, including the pelvis, wrist, fingers, feet and neck.
Types of splints include:
- Air splint – an inflatable splint, usually made from plastic. Air splints can be manufactured for specific body parts, including the foot, arm and leg. They are typically used for short-term stabilisation of an injury, for example when transferring a patient to the hospital.
- Aluminium foam splint – a versatile splint for fingers, wrists, arms, ankles, feet and more. It’s available as a rolled or flat product and can be formed as required. These splints are secured in place with a bandage.
- Bilateral splint – bilateral splints are designed to immobilise both arms or both legs at the same time. Often used for emergency transfers and transportation for single or bilateral limb fractures.
- Cardboard splint – a low-cost, convenient splint made from stiff cardboard. Typically comes with a waxed, waterproof coating. Suitable for leg and arm injuries, and comes in a range of sizes.
- Cervical collar – also known as a neck brace, cervical collars immobilise the neck. They’re used to treat neck pain and acute trauma to the neck, for example after a whiplash injury.
- SAM pelvic sling – a circumferential belt used to stabilise open-book pelvic ring fractures. Features a specialised auto-stop buckle to prevent over-tightening. Available in small, medium and large sizes.
At LFA First Response, we stock the above-mentioned splint types in various sizes and applications. Have a look at the splint collection on our website for more information.
What is splinting used for?
Splints are often required in emergency first aid situations to immobilise an injured body part while waiting for medical help to arrive. Temporary splints are commonly used to prevent further injury and reduce pain during patient transfers and transportation.
While most splints are worn on a temporary basis, wearing a splint during recovery may be recommended to support bone alignment or to reduce pain and swelling. For example, a finger splint is often worn for several weeks during the recovery of a broken finger. These types of splints are referred to as orthopaedic devices.
Splints are used for injuries such as:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Finger injuries such as mallet finger
- Sprains
- Strains
- Tendon ruptures
- Dislocations
How to apply a splint
You may need to apply a splint when delivering first aid for fractures and broken bones. Follow these best practices when applying a splint:
- Follow DRSABCD.
- Avoid moving the injured person before the splint has been applied, unless you need to remove them from danger.
- Make sure the splint placement holds the injured limb or injured site in the most natural position possible.
- Check the patient’s circulation regularly. Splints that are too tight can prevent blood flow to the injured site and other areas of the body.
- Make sure the splint extends above and below the injury to immobilise the correct joint or joints. For example, an arm splint should immobilise the wrist and elbow for a forearm fracture. And a leg splint should immobilise the knee and ankle for a lower leg injury.
- Use a rigid splint for arm and leg injuries. In most cases, foot/ankle splints should be flexible.
Splint application for arms and legs
Follow these steps when applying a splint to an injured arm or leg:
- Wrap broad bandages gently above and below the fracture. Place the bandages around the natural hollows of the limb.
- Place a padded splint along the injured limb. Add extra padding between the splint and the natural shape of the limb if needed.
- Secure the splint and padding firmly with bandages.
- Also, immobilise the foot and ankle if it’s a fractured bone on the leg.
- Check that the bandages are not too tight every 15 minutes. Watch for signs of loss of circulation in the hands or feet.
Splints at LFA First Response
LFA First Response is a leading wholesale medical supplier, supporting Australian first responders and healthcare providers to deliver high-quality, timely care. Browse our wide range of splints, bandages and first aid equipment – or speak to our friendly customer service team about your needs. Call us on 1800 681 544.
