Fractures And Splinting

Fractures and Splinting

MSTC, FT LEWIS WA

Fractures  A complete or partial break in the bone (additional movement after the injury can cause further damage Closed Fracture (A break in the bone with no break in the skin)  Open Fracture (A break in the bone with a break in the skin—high risk of infection) Dislocation (bones in a joint forced out of proper position)

Fractures

Signs and Symptoms of Fracture  Bone sticking through skin  Pain, tenderness, swelling and/or bruising at a particular location  Arm or leg appears shorter or is in an abnormal position (looks deformed)  Difficulty moving the affected extremity  Massive injury to an arm or leg

Fractures

Splinting

Prepare Casualty  Reassure the casualty  Locate site of fracture  Check circulation below fracture pulse, color, temperature and numbness  Loosen any tight or binding clothing  Remove jewelry from affected limb only  Dress wounds, if any, before splinting

Splinting  Gather splinting materials (rigid objects, padding, securing materials) Position the securing materials, typically cravats, above and below fracture site  Position the rigid objects (immobilizing the joints above and below the fracture site if possible)  Apply padding (between rigid objects and patient)  Secure the rigid objects on the outer edge of the splint  Check circulation after each cravat is secured Evacuate casualty as soon as possible

Apply a SAM Splint to a Fractured Limb  SAM Splint (Splint, Aluminum Malleable)  Completely covered by foam padding  Used as the rigid objects in splinting fractured: • • • • •

Wrists Forearms Upper arms Ankles Lower legs

Apply a SAM Splint to a Fractured Limb PREPARE THE CASUALTY

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Expose the injury site. Cut away any bulky clothing Check for a pulse below the fracture site Do not attempt to straighten the fractured

Apply a SAM Splint to a Fractured Limb  Unroll the SAM splint and flatten it.  Fold the SAM splint in half so it is a tall V-shape.  Form to the curve and shape of the limb being splinted.  Prepare cravats from: • Muslin bandages • Blankets • Clothing • Tape in your aid bag • 100 MPH tape

Apply a SAM Splint to a Fractured Limb  Apply splint so the fracture is between the two

sides of the splint  Secure above the fracture site and below the fracture site  Use at least two cravats  Two above and two below is better  No cravats directly over the fracture site

Apply a SAM Splint to a Fractured Limb  Tie using non-slip knots  Tie on the outside of the splint  Tuck tails to prevent entanglement

Apply a SAM Splint to a Fractured Limb  Check the casualty's pulse If you cannot detect a pulse, loosen cravats and reapply If the casualty still does not have a pulse, evacuate

POP QUIZ! Answer the following: 1) List 5 fracture sites that can be stabilized with a SAM splint? 2) When should you check for a pulse? 3) True or false: When splinting a fractured limb you should attempt to straighten it.

Questions???? Questions????