An arm splint is a temporary supportive device used in first aid to stabilize an injured arm and prevent further damage until professional medical help is available. Its primary purpose is to immobilize the injured area, which helps to reduce pain and minimize the risk of additional complications such as increased soft tissue damage or bleeding.
Recognizing the Need for a Splint
Identifying the signs of a serious arm injury is important for determining if a splint is necessary. Common indicators include severe pain, swelling, bruising, or a noticeable arm deformity. Inability to move the arm, a grinding sensation with movement, or an open wound where a bone might be exposed also suggest a significant injury. Splinting is appropriate for suspected fractures, severe sprains, or dislocations to prevent movement of the injured part.
However, there are situations where splinting should be approached with caution or avoided. If applying a splint causes a significant increase in pain, it should not be done. If the injury involves severe bleeding that cannot be controlled, or if there are signs of shock like pale skin, sweating, or dizziness, immediate emergency medical attention is the priority. Do not attempt to force a deformed limb back into its natural position, as this can cause further harm.
Gathering Your Splinting Materials
Creating an effective makeshift arm splint requires a few basic components to provide support and comfort. A rigid support is needed to keep the arm still, and this can be improvised from items like rolled newspapers or magazines, a sturdy stick, a small board, or even cardboard. The chosen material should be long enough to extend beyond the joints above and below the injury site.
Padding is needed for comfort and to prevent pressure points. Soft materials such as gauze, clean cloths, towels, or other soft fabrics can be used. This padding should be placed between the rigid support and the skin, especially around bony prominences. To secure the rigid support and padding, ties or fasteners are needed, which can include bandages, tape, strips of cloth, or rope. If the injury is to the forearm or wrist, a sling made from a large piece of cloth, scarf, or triangular bandage can further support the arm and keep it elevated.
Applying an Arm Splint: A Step-by-Step Guide
Before applying the splint, assess the injury and prepare the person. Check for any active bleeding and control it with direct pressure, avoiding the suspected fracture site. Remove jewelry from the injured arm, as swelling can cause complications. Explain the process to the injured individual to help them remain calm and cooperative.
Position the injured arm in the most comfortable position, ideally as it lies naturally. Do not attempt to straighten or realign the arm, as this can cause additional pain and damage. Once the arm is gently positioned, place padding around bony areas, such as the elbow, and between the arm and any rigid support material. This padding cushions the limb and reduces the risk of pressure sores or skin irritation.
Place the rigid support alongside the injured arm. The support should extend past the joint immediately above the injury and past the joint immediately below it to ensure proper immobilization. For example, a forearm injury would require the splint to extend from above the elbow to below the wrist. Secure the rigid support firmly using ties, ensuring they are snug but not overly tight. Check for adequate circulation in the fingers frequently by pressing on a fingernail to see if the color returns within two seconds, and ask if they experience any numbness or tingling.
If the injury involves the forearm or wrist, or if additional support is desired, a sling can be created. A triangular bandage or similar piece of cloth can be used to support the arm at approximately a 90-degree angle, with the hand slightly elevated. The sling maintains the arm’s position and further reduces movement, contributing to pain relief. Throughout the process, monitor the injured person for increased pain and stop if discomfort intensifies.
After Splinting: What to Do Next
Once the arm splint is applied, ongoing monitoring and care are important until professional medical help arrives. Regularly check the circulation in the injured arm by observing finger color and warmth, and asking about sensation or movement. Any signs of numbness, tingling, increased pain, or pale, cold skin below the splint may indicate that the ties are too tight and need to be loosened.
Elevating the injured arm above the level of the heart can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Pillows or cushions can support the arm in an elevated position when resting. Applying a cold pack, such as ice wrapped in a cloth, to the injured area can also help manage swelling and pain. Ensure the cold pack is not applied directly to the skin and is used for short intervals.
A makeshift splint is a temporary measure; seeking professional medical attention is a necessary next step. Transport the injured person to a hospital or clinic for a thorough evaluation as soon as possible. Call emergency services immediately if there is severe, uncontrolled bleeding, visible bone protruding through the skin, signs of shock, or if the hand becomes cold or blue, indicating compromised blood flow.