6.11: Extremity Splinting
- Page ID
- 84394
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Extremity fractures, sprains and strains should be identified in the primary assessment, while on scene. Splinting and treatment of extremity injuries in non-life-threatening trauma can be done on scene.
In life threatening trauma, only unstable pelvis fractures should be addressed on scene. All other fractures, sprains and strains should be splinted after addressing life threats, and on the way to the hospital.
All EMTs should be comfortable using available splinting materials to successfully splint injuries to the following areas:
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- Finger/hand
- Wrist
- Radius/ulna
- Elbow
- Humerus
- Shoulder/collarbone
- Foot/ankle
- Tibia/fibula
- Knee
- Femur (non-isolated/mid shaft)
Successful splints meet 3 criteria:
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- Assesses Circulation, Motor, and Sensation (“CMS”) before/after applying splint – no change
- Immobilizes above and below the injury
- Places injured site in position comfort/function and does not cause additional pain
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