A temporary splint immobilizes an injured limb, serving as a necessary first aid measure for a suspected broken leg before professional medical help arrives. This temporary stabilization prevents fractured bone ends from moving, minimizing pain and avoiding further damage to surrounding soft tissues, nerves, or blood vessels. Applying a splint is only an interim step and must never delay calling emergency medical services (EMS) immediately. The goal is to keep the injury stable and comfortable until trained personnel can take over.
Initial Emergency Safety Protocols
Before approaching the person, ensure the scene is safe for both the victim and the rescuer. Once secure, immediately call for emergency medical assistance, providing a clear location and description of the situation. The fundamental rule is not to move the injured person unless they are in immediate danger, as movement can worsen the injury.
Quickly check the injury site for severe, life-threatening bleeding that requires immediate compression. Look closely for signs of a compound (open) fracture where bone fragments have broken through the skin, carrying a high risk of infection. Also observe for signs of shock, such as pale, cool skin, rapid pulse, or confusion. If the person is unresponsive or the fracture is compound, any attempt at manipulating or moving the limb should be left strictly to medical professionals.
Preparing and Stabilizing the Injury
Gathering appropriate materials requires both rigid items for structural support and soft materials for padding. Rigid materials can include firm objects like wooden boards, rolled-up magazines, thick cardboard, or sticks. Soft padding materials can be improvised from towels, clothing, gauze, or blankets.
The limb must be stabilized precisely in the position in which it was found, even if deformed. Attempting to straighten or realign a visibly bent limb risks causing additional nerve or blood vessel damage. Only in rare cases of severe circulatory compromise should gentle repositioning be considered. Carefully place soft padding around all bony prominences, such as the ankle bones (malleoli), the heel, and the knee, to prevent pressure sores and increase comfort.
If the uninjured leg is used as one side of the splint, place padding between the legs to prevent friction and pressure where they touch. This preparatory padding is essential because rigid materials exert pressure, and proper cushioning prevents skin breakdown and localized pain when the splint is secured.
Step-by-Step Application of the Temporary Splint
The splint must immobilize the entire area surrounding the fracture. For a broken lower leg, the splint must extend beyond the joint above (the knee) and the joint below (the ankle). This principle ensures that movement at either joint cannot indirectly move the broken bone fragments.
Carefully place the rigid splinting materials alongside the injured leg, extending from at least the mid-thigh down to the heel. Once the padded supports are positioned on either side of the limb, secure them firmly in place using ties. These securing materials can be strips of cloth, belts, neckties, or any other flexible material.
Place the ties strategically away from the actual fracture site, typically above and below the immobilized joints. For a lower leg fracture, secure ties near the thigh, just above the knee, and near the ankle. Tie the knots on the uninjured side of the limb to prevent pressure on the fracture site. The ties must be snug enough to prevent movement of the rigid materials but loose enough to avoid constricting blood flow.
Post-Application Monitoring and When to Adjust
Immediately after securing the splint, and continuously while waiting for EMS, monitor the limb for signs of restricted circulation or nerve compression. Check blood flow integrity using a capillary refill test on the toes of the injured foot. Press on a toenail until it blanches white and release; the normal pink color should return quickly, typically within three seconds.
Other signs of compromised circulation include paleness, a bluish tint, or a noticeable drop in the foot’s temperature compared to the uninjured foot. Ask the person if they feel increased numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation in the foot or toes. These symptoms suggest the splint may be too tight and is interfering with nerve function or blood supply.
If signs of restricted circulation or nerve compression appear, loosen the securing ties immediately to restore proper blood flow. Repeat circulation checks after loosening to confirm improvement. Keep the person warm with blankets and encourage them to remain still to maintain the stability provided by the temporary splint.