Splinting extremity fractures is a traditional field care procedure. From basic first aid to advanced level care providers, much time is spent training on and practicing the myriad of techniques and equipment used to splint broken bones and joints of the arms and legs.
So it might come as a bit of surprise to note that there is very little research supporting the practice of splinting. While there have been a few studies that have compared the different types of splints available on the market, to date there is no evidence that splinting makes a difference in terms of the patient’s outcome.
Nevertheless, because of the purported effects of reducing pain and minimizing further damage, placing a well-sized splint effectively will likely continue to be a mainstay EMS practice.
There is an art to splinting. Rarely do manufactured splints exactly fit the presenting injury. The splint must often be adapted …