An emergency splint is a temporary measure designed to stabilize an injured joint or limb until professional medical care can be obtained. Immediate stabilization prevents the injured area from moving, which reduces pain and minimizes the risk of further damage to surrounding soft tissues, nerves, and blood vessels. This temporary immobilization is especially important for the elbow, a complex joint made up of three bones and multiple ligaments.
Recognizing the Need for Stabilization
Several signs indicate that an elbow injury requires immediate stabilization with a splint. Common symptoms include severe pain, noticeable swelling, and the inability to move the arm normally. Any visible deformity, such as an abnormal bend or angulation, signals the need for immobilization in the position it was found.
Before attempting any action, assess the injury carefully, as certain conditions prohibit non-professional splinting. If the arm or hand is pale, cold, or if the individual reports numbness or tingling, blood circulation or nerve function may be compromised. If there is an open wound with bone protruding, splinting should not be attempted until the wound is covered, and medical help must be summoned immediately. A temporary splint should only be applied to stable, closed injuries.
Gathering Emergency Splinting Supplies
Emergency splinting relies on repurposing common materials to create a rigid, padded support system. These materials fall into three functional categories.
Rigid Support
Items for rigid support must be stiff and long enough to extend past the joints above and below the elbow. Examples include tightly rolled newspapers or magazines, thin boards, sticks, or firm cardboard. The splint must prevent movement of the upper arm and forearm, effectively immobilizing the elbow joint.
Padding
Padding is necessary to cushion the rigid supports and protect the skin, especially over bony prominences. This layer helps distribute pressure evenly and prevent skin injury. Materials can include soft cloth, towels, socks, cotton batting, or clothing layers like a puffy jacket.
Securing Materials
The third category includes materials for securing the splint firmly in place. These ties must be strong enough to hold the splint material securely but flexible enough to be tied without excessive tightening. Suitable items include belts, neckties, strips of fabric, or shoelaces.
Step-by-Step Elbow Splint Application
The application of the splint requires a careful, sequential approach to ensure stabilization without causing further distress.
First, position the injured arm with minimal movement, ideally leaving it in the position it was found. If the elbow is not naturally bent, gently position it at a 90-degree angle only if this causes no significant pain. The primary rule is to avoid attempting to realign a visibly misshapen limb.
Next, apply padding materials generously around the elbow, focusing on bony areas and points where the rigid splint will make contact with the skin. This layer must be smooth and free of wrinkles, which can cause pressure points and skin damage. Padding should also be placed in the crease of the elbow if the arm is bent.
Once padded, position the rigid supports on the arm, typically along the back of the upper arm and forearm. The splint material must extend well above the shoulder and below the wrist to effectively immobilize the elbow joint.
Secure the rigid materials using the ties, wrapping them around the upper arm and forearm. Ensure knots are not placed directly over the injury site. The ties must be fastened snugly enough to prevent shifting, but not so tight that they impede blood flow. A simple rule is that you should be able to slide a finger easily between the tie and the skin.
The final step is creating a sling to support the weight of the injured arm. A triangular bandage, scarf, or large piece of cloth can be used to support the arm, keeping the elbow elevated and the hand higher than the elbow to minimize swelling. The sling should be tied behind the neck, ensuring the knot rests to the side of the neck, not directly on the spine.
Post-Splint Monitoring and Next Steps
After the elbow splint is secured, immediate monitoring is necessary to check for signs of circulatory compromise. The fingers should be checked frequently for normal color, warmth, and sensation. Any paleness, blueness, or increased numbness indicates the splint or ties are too tight and must be loosened immediately. Swelling that occurs after placement can also cause tightening, requiring prompt adjustment.
The limb should be elevated above the level of the heart as much as possible without causing undue pain; this leverages gravity to reduce swelling. Applying a cold compress or ice pack, wrapped in cloth, can further help manage swelling and discomfort. Ice should be applied intermittently, usually for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
The emergency splint is a temporary first aid measure only, and professional medical attention is an urgent necessity. The stabilized individual must be transported to a hospital or urgent care facility immediately for X-rays and definitive treatment. Medical professionals will assess the full extent of the injury and provide the appropriate long-term care.