Splinting Basics
Immobilizing an injured limb when help is delayed
Step by Step
Splinting turns a painful, moving injury into a stable one. Use whatever is available: padded sticks, rolled magazines, cardboard, or a purpose made splint. Splint the limb in the position found, covering the joints above and below the injury, and pad the gaps so nothing presses on skin. Do not push or pull the limb straight. Secure the splint firmly but check that fingers or toes beyond it stay warm and have normal sensation, loosening if needed. An injured arm can often be splinted against the body, a leg to the other leg. Apply cold packs wrapped in cloth around, not on, the injury. Call emergency services for suspected thigh, pelvis, neck, or back injuries rather than improvising transport.
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