A splint is a temporary device used to immobilize a suspected broken bone or fracture. Its purpose in first aid is to prevent movement at the injury site, which can help reduce pain and prevent further damage to tissues, nerves, or blood vessels. Applying a splint provides stability until professional medical attention can be obtained.
Recognizing a Potential Fracture
Recognizing the signs of a potential fracture is a first step in providing first aid. A person with a broken bone will experience severe pain at the injury site, which worsens with movement or touch. Swelling and bruising around the affected area are common indicators.
The injured limb might appear deformed. There may be difficulty moving the affected part, or pain when attempting to bear weight. A grinding noise or “snap” may have been heard at the time of injury, and a bone might even protrude through the skin, indicating an open fracture.
Gathering Your Splinting Supplies
Before attempting to splint, gather the materials. You will need a rigid support to stabilize the injured limb, such as a rolled-up newspaper or magazine, a sturdy stick, a piece of cardboard, or a foam sleeping pad. The chosen support should be long enough to extend beyond the joints above and below the suspected fracture.
Padding material is important to cushion the injured area and provide comfort. Padding can include gauze, clean cloth, cotton, or soft clothing items. Finally, you will need material to secure the rigid support and padding in place, such as medical tape, elastic bandages, strips of fabric, or bandannas.
Step-by-Step Guide to Splinting
Before applying any splint, assess the injured area for open wounds or bleeding. If present, control any bleeding with direct pressure using a clean cloth and cover the wound with a sterile dressing before proceeding. Do not attempt to push any protruding bone back into the skin, as this can introduce infection or cause further tissue damage.
The injured limb should be kept as still as possible, immobilizing it in the most comfortable position. Do not try to straighten a bent limb or force a bone back into alignment, as this could worsen the injury. If possible, have someone help you stabilize the limb gently while you prepare the splinting materials.
Once any open wounds are addressed, carefully place padding around the injured area to provide cushioning and prevent direct pressure from the rigid support. This padding should be sufficient to make the splint comfortable, prevent chafing, and ensure a snug fit.
Next, position the rigid support alongside the injured limb. Splinting immobilizes the joint above and the joint below the suspected fracture site. For example, if a lower leg bone is suspected to be broken, the splint should extend from above the knee to below the ankle, securing both joints.
After positioning the rigid support and padding, begin to secure the splint using your tying material. Wrap the material firmly around the limb and the rigid support. Start wrapping from points farthest from the heart and move inwards, ensuring even pressure.
Wrap the ties above and below the fracture site, leaving a small gap directly over the injury to avoid direct pressure on the most painful area. Ensure that the ties are secure enough to prevent movement but loose enough to allow for circulation. Checking circulation after application is important.
Post-Splinting Care and When to Seek Medical Help
After applying the splint, monitor the injured person and limb for changes. If possible and pain allows, elevate the injured limb slightly to reduce swelling. Applying a cold compress or ice pack, wrapped in a cloth, can also limit swelling and alleviate pain.
Check the circulation beyond the splinted area periodically. Look for signs such as increased pain, numbness, tingling, or changes in skin color, like paleness or a bluish tint, in the fingers or toes. These signs indicate the splint is too tight, restricting blood flow. Loosen it immediately and re-wrap more loosely.
The splint provides stability until a healthcare professional can diagnose the injury using imaging techniques like X-rays and determine long-term treatment. Seek immediate medical help, or call emergency services, especially if there is severe bleeding, a bone protruding through the skin, or if the injured person shows signs of shock, such as feeling faint or having rapid, shallow breathing.