A temporary wrist splint is used for first aid to stabilize an injured wrist before professional medical attention can be secured. Immobilization limits movement of the bones and surrounding soft tissues. By restricting motion, a splint helps reduce immediate pain and prevents the injury from worsening during transport or waiting for medical services. This homemade construction is a temporary measure and should be applied gently and with caution.
Essential Materials and Preparation
Constructing an effective temporary splint requires three basic components: a rigid support, padding material, and securing material. The rigid support serves as the backbone of the splint, preventing the wrist from bending or twisting. Suitable items include a tightly rolled magazine or newspaper, a thin strip of wood, or a firm piece of cardboard.
The padding material cushions the injured limb against the rigid support, preventing pressure points and skin abrasion.
- Clean cloths
- Towels
- Cotton batting
- A soft shirt
The securing material holds the rigid support and padding firmly in place without restricting blood flow.
- Strips of cloth
- Gauze
- Belts
- Neckties
Before application, the rigid support must be sized correctly to ensure proper immobilization of the joints above and below the injury. For a wrist injury, the support should extend from the knuckles of the hand past the wrist joint and approximately halfway up the forearm. The padding should be wrapped around the wrist and forearm area, especially around bony prominences or sharp edges of the rigid material, to provide a soft, protective layer.
Step-by-Step Splint Construction and Application
The initial step in application is positioning the injured wrist in the most comfortable position possible, typically a neutral or slightly cocked-back position. It is important to leave the injury as it is found and never attempt to forcibly straighten or realign the limb, as this can cause additional damage to nerves and blood vessels. Once the padding material has been wrapped around the entire wrist and forearm area, the rigid support can be introduced.
The main rigid support is generally placed underneath the forearm, running from the palm area up to the mid-forearm. A second piece can optionally be placed on the top of the wrist for additional stability. The goal is to create a secure sandwich around the injured area to prevent any motion at the wrist joint. The securing material is then used to tie the rigid supports in place using multiple ties.
The ties must be fastened firmly enough to prevent movement of the splint but not so tight that they impede circulation to the hand and fingers. Crucially, the securing ties should be placed above and below the injury site, avoiding the direct area of trauma where they could compress the tissue and exacerbate the pain. A common mistake is to secure the splint too tightly, which can lead to serious complications.
Monitoring and Safety Precautions
After the splint is successfully applied, a thorough check of the circulation and nerve function in the hand and fingers must be performed immediately. This ensures the splint is not causing harm by constricting blood flow or pressing on nerves. A simple way to assess circulation is the Capillary Refill Test (CRT), performed by pressing firmly on a fingernail or the soft pad of a finger until the color blanches.
Upon releasing the pressure, the normal pink color should return to the area within two to three seconds; a longer time suggests compromised peripheral perfusion, meaning the splint may be too tight and needs loosening. Simultaneously, the patient should be asked about any new or worsening symptoms of nerve damage, such as numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation in the fingers. Persistent or increasing pain after application also indicates a problem, which may necessitate removing the splint and seeking immediate medical assistance.
Homemade splinting should be avoided entirely if the injury involves a bone protruding through the skin, severe deformity, or an open, actively bleeding wound. In these severe cases, or if there is a loss of sensation in the hand, the focus should shift immediately to controlling bleeding and calling for professional medical help. A definitive medical evaluation and treatment plan are always necessary for any suspected wrist injury.