Can an EMT splint?
Emergency medical service (EMS) personnel should immobilize the femur to prevent further injury during transport. Traction splints are recommended on all mid-shaft femur fractures to establish patient comfort and better fracture alignment.
When should a traction splint be used?
Traction splints are most commonly used for fractures of the femur (or upper leg bone). For these fractures they may reduce pain and decrease the amount of bleeding which occurs into the soft tissues of the leg. Some state that they are appropriate for middle tibia fractures which are displaced or bent.
What are the contraindications to the use of a traction splint?
Patients with osteoporosis are possible contraindications, as are elderly patients with fragile skin. Traction splints should not be used for proximal or distal fractures of the femur, or where there are knee, lower leg, ankle or foot injuries, or in patients with pelvic fractures.
Should you immobilize a femur fracture?
Patients who hold the limb in a fixed position, such as shortened with internal or external rotation, or have other signs of injury should also be considered for immobilization. Often patients with femur fractures will have a significant decrease in pain by manual traction and subsequent traction splint placement.
How do Emts treat compound fractures?
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- Stop any bleeding. Apply pressure to the wound with a sterile bandage, a clean cloth or a clean piece of clothing.
- Immobilize the injured area. Don’t try to realign the bone or push a bone that’s sticking out back in.
- Apply ice packs to limit swelling and help relieve pain.
- Treat for shock.
What is the procedure for applying traction to a patient?
It involves applying splints, bandages, or adhesive tapes to the skin directly below the fracture. Once the material has been applied, weights are fastened to it. The affected body part is then pulled into the right position using a pulley system attached to the hospital bed.
What are 4 types of splints?
Splint Types
- Coaptation splint.
- Forearm volar splint
- Long arm posterior splint.
- Radial gutter splint.
- Sling and swathe splint.
- Sugar tong splint.
- Double sugar tong splint.
- Thumb spica splint.
How much traction do you pull on a traction splint?
Sager traction splint can measure the actual traction applied on the gauge. The optimal traction is roughly 10% to 15% of a patient’s body weight. Position the splint between the patient’s legs, resting the saddle against the ischial tuberosity.
When to use traction splint?
Traction splints are commonly used if there is a fracture of the femur bone in the thigh. A traction splint may be required if someone experiences a bad fall. A field medic would place a unipolar traction splint alongside the fractured leg.
What is a femur traction splint?
Traction splints are most commonly used for fractures of the femur (or upper leg bone). For these fractures they may reduce pain and decrease the amount of bleeding which occurs into the soft tissues of the leg. Some state that they are appropriate for middle tibia fractures which are displaced or bent.
What is a Hare traction splint?
Users Guide. The hare traction splint is designed to be used on those patients who have suffered a suspected femur fracture. Proper use can decrease the pain and damage caused by the fracture.
