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2C+-+Splinting+and+Transport
Emergency Care Of Injuries And Illness (EXSS 188)
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2C. Splinting and Transport
This unit will provide an overview of how to apply splints, how to transport an injured athlete from the field, and ambulatory assistive devices.
Here are links to the videos included in the module: Splint: youtube/watch?v=9rQ6PPAPA4I Crutches: youtube/watch?v=HgwepDw3svY
Emergency Splinting
Suspected fracture: Summon EMS immediately Splint before the athlete is moved Purpose: Prevent further damage Reduce pain Transport without proper immobilization: Increased tissue damage Open fracture, soft tissues Increased hemorrhage Shock
Key principles to splinting:
Splint the joints above and below Splint in the position found Assess distal CMS (circulation, motor, sensation) pre- and post-splinting
Types of splints
Rigid o Non-deformable, use padding as needed o Gentle support of the limb SAM o Waterproof, reusable, and compact o Can shape to body o Fastens in place with tape or wrap Vacuum o Filled with Styrofoam chips o Molds to shape of injury using handheld pump to draw out air from the sleeve
Steps of SAM splint application:
Assess CMS (circulation, motion, sensation)
Stabilize the limb if not already
Size the splint (use uninjured extremity)
Apply to the fracture site
Secure with wrap
Reassess CMS
Seek care
Splinting by Region
Upper extremity Shoulder: sling for shoulder, secured to body Upper arm/elbow: splint + sling Forearm: splint (elbow and wrist) + sling Hand/finger: splint with tongue depressors or aluminum splints Lower extremity Ankle or lower leg: splint foot and knee Knee, hip, or thigh: all lower limb joints and one side of the pelvis Spine Suspected spine or pelvic fracture: best to use spine board
Moving and Transporting
Moving, lifting, and transporting injured athletes must be executed with techniques that prevent further injury. No excuse for poor handling. Planning and practice are essential. May be a need for additional equipment (spine board, stretcher, rescue vehicle).
Techniques
Stretcher A stretcher is the best and safest mode of transport. May be necessary if athlete cannot sit comfortably. Spine board is always utilized in suspected cervical spine injury. Manual conveyance Used to move mildly injured person a greater distance than can be walked with ease. The decision to carry is made only after a complete exam to determine the existence of potentially serious conditions. Ambulatory aid Assistance given to an athlete who is able to walk. Athlete should be examined first to ensure that injuries are minor. If serious injuries are suspected, walking should be prohibited.
Ambulatory Assistive Devices
After a lower extremity injury, weight bearing may be contraindicated. In these cases, you should give the athlete an assistive device, like crutches or a cane. You should fit the assistive device to the athlete and teach him or her how to use them.
Fit: 2-3 finger widths between base of armpit and top of crutch Wrist lines up with hand grip when arm is at side Walking: Crutches stay with injured limb
2C+-+Splinting+and+Transport
Course: Emergency Care Of Injuries And Illness (EXSS 188)
University: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
