To apply a splint or not remains a very crucial consideration if you or your partner ends up with broken arms or legs while on a hiking, climbing, or camping trip. In this article, we’ll look at how you make the decision and how to when you decide to.
But why?
It is essential to know how to take care of yourself in the great outdoors. With the absence of a doctor or sophisticated equipment, you must be able to patch things up until you find help.
Also, the pain from a fractured (or near fracture) can be extreme & render you immobile. A splint can’t help relieve some of this pain and, most pertinently, avoid further injuries or complications.
Considerations — To Apply a Splint or Not?
When deciding if a splint is necessary or not, you have to answer two questions, which are:
- Is the bone truly broken?
- When should you apply this splint?
First off, you need to understand that fractures have different appearances & look differently from how they appear in movies. To find out if a bone is fractured, you have to speak with the victim to obtain information on what will be done. Second, identify the specific signs & symptoms common to all kinds of fractures, even if the person has passed out.
Here are things to note to see if the suspected wound is a fracture or not:
- You may have heard when the bone broke.
- Check for apparent abnormality or angulation.
- If the fracture is open (compound), you may be able to see the ends of the bone.
- Discoloration or swelling may be obvious in the affected region.
- You may feel the ends of the bone grafting inside the person’s skin.
General Rules When Applying say splint
You cannot make a precise fracture diagnosis without an X-ray machine & only a seasoned first-aid worker does not need one. However, when SHTF & there is no alternative, it is best to apply a splint when you suspect a fracture.
Important Note: never try to arrange a broken bone. You must be an expert to do so. It is not even mandatory because fractures can be fixed after many days without any problem. If you do not know what to do, there’s no need to try finding a solution. You’ll be risking potential damage to the nerve & blood vessels &, in fact, the victim’s life.
Here are six rules to keep to when applying a splint:
- Except it is vital, do not move the patient if you have not applied the splint.
- Ensure to cover all injuries suffered by the limb with a bandage (dressing) before splinting.
- Carefully cut away or remove all clothing on the fractured spot.
- The splint should be set up so that it immobilizes the fracture below & above the break.
- Before, while at it & after the splinting process, keep tabs on the wrists for pulses. Often, there are changes in sensation it color of feelings to indicate circulation problems — which happens when the splint is too tight.
- Whenever you’re not sure… just splint!
Types of Splints
There are several types of splints, some of which are ordinary while others are technical & even too complex to be performed by the average Doe. You can complete some splints using an ordinary stick, while others may be much more complicated, for example, inflatable or gel splints.
However, regardless of all splints’ arrangements, they are classified into two major categories: soft splints & rigid splints.
Note that the mode of application for each splint differs, with the only commonality among them all being the principle of traction. To complete traction, pull the limb gently in a straight line away from the body. This will help to relieve pain & reduce the risk of further complications. However, not every fracture should undergo traction. Severely angulated fractures are to be splinted as they lay.
Soft Splints
Soft splints are typically made using transparent, heavyweight double-walled plastics, which are available in different shapes & sizes. Some even come with zippers to make the application easier.
As you may know or expect, air splints have some advantages over conventional ones. The former is lightweight, compact & easy to store, more comfortable to feel (for the victim) & when properly inflated, can apply pressure to a bleeding area — which is another use.
The air splint has its disadvantages, however. It is easily torn when it comes in contact with sharp objects & cannot be used on severely angulated fractures. Lastly, it is hard to reshape it, so you may have to carry numerous types with you.
A soft splint is best applied by two persons.
Rigid Splints
A rigid splint is made out of any non-flexible material. You can buy rigid splints as a board splint, fiberglass, cardboard splint & wire ladder splint. This may be more suitable for injuries while in the field.
Rigid splints can be readily improvised using a staggering amount of different materials. You can make rigid splints using magazines, newspapers, broomsticks, tree limbs, popsicle sticks (for fingers). In fact, you can use a rifle as long as it’s unloaded.
A rigid splint has to be padded as you apply it to provide support to the injury & comfort to the patient. You can make a good passing from folded or rolled towels, sheets, or rags. The padding should be positioned between the injured limb & the splint.
The chief principle to follow for the application of rigid splints remains the same for arms & legs. Like the soft splints, this splint is best done by two people.
Final Lines on To Apply a Splint or Not?
To apply a splint or not will always be a crucial decision to make in cases of accidents. Ensure to make necessary considerations before deciding to, but remember always to splint when you’re in doubt. Also, ensure to come with splints, both soft & rigid. In the next article, we’ll look at the steps to perform both types of splints the proper way. Until then, what do you think about applying a split? Is it necessary or not?