When an emergency responder gets to the scene of an accident and finds a victim with a swollen, painful, deformed extremity, this generally means that the individual has a fractured bone, which must be splinted. The concept behind splinting is to stabilize an individual so they don’t move around and cause more injury to the damaged area. Remember to splint not only the actual fracture, but also split the joints below and above the injury. Emergency medical technicians are trained how to use a splint properly.
Use a traction splint if a fracture or break is isolated to the femur and if there are no other traumatic injuries to the mid-thigh. The traction splint should be used to treat severe femur fractures. If you suspect a distal fracture, avoid splinting. You want to avoid splinting an injury that is close to the knee, pelvis, hip, ankle, or the leg where the distal limb is connected by marginal tissue.
There are different types of traction splints on the market, and if you are looking to purchase a traction splint, you might want to consider consulting a used medical equipment supplier. The suppliers make it their business to know and understand the latest technology in health medicine. They can help you find the splint that meets your specific needs. There are two basic varieties of traction splints. One is a bed that is used to support the injured leg. The other is a single post with an interior post, which telescopes out towards a patient’s feet.
Used medical equipment is generally just as good as new equipment since companies refurbish items such as splints, ensuring that they are an optimal working order. Before applying a splint, stabilize the area below and above the fracture and check the area for distal pulse, sensory and motor function. If more than one rescuer is available, one should stabilize the patient while the other one applies the splint.











