Splint

Definition: A rigid or semi-rigid support used to immobilize a possible fracture, sprain, or joint injury until the child can be evaluated by a doctor. Splints prevent further injury during transport and can be made from purpose-built medical splints or improvised from items around the house.

Parent Tip: If your child has a possible broken bone or joint injury, the goal is to keep the injured area still while you get them to medical care.

Immobilization is the most important step, even over splinting. Make sure you secure it so they cannot move the injured area. 

Do not try to straighten an obviously deformed limb. Splint it in the position you found it. Pad the splint with cloth or a small towel so it is comfortable against the skin, and secure it above and below the injury site (never directly over the suspected fracture).

Check the fingers or toes after splinting to make sure they are still warm and pink. If they look pale, blue, or feel cold, or the child mentions they are numb or tingling, the splint is too tight and needs to be loosened.

How to Splint a Common Injury

Ideally any splinting should be done with a commercially made splint. Something you would find in a First Aid Kit. If you do not have a splint here are some options to making one. 

• Forearm or wrist: Use a rolled magazine, a small board, or even a few stacked newspapers along the underside of the arm. Secure with cloth strips or an elastic wrap. Make a sling to support the arm against the chest
• Finger: Tape the injured finger to the finger next to it (called "buddy taping") for support
• Ankle: Wrap an elastic bandage snugly but not tightly around the ankle and keep the foot elevated
• Lower leg: Place padded boards or rolled blankets on either side of the leg and secure with cloth strips
• Always: Check circulation in the fingers or toes before and after splinting

Why It Matters: A properly splinted injury hurts less, bleeds less, and is far less likely to develop complications during the trip to the emergency room. Movement of a broken bone can damage nearby blood vessels and nerves, which is exactly what splinting prevents. You do not need fancy equipment. A magazine, a roll of duct tape, and a couple of clean towels can make a perfectly good splint for most injuries.

Related Terms: Bandage, Finger Injury, Fracture, Joint Injury, Leg Injury, Sports Injuries, Toe Injury

Written and reviewed by Jeremy Manke, Firefighter / Paramedic (22 years of emergency service)

← Back to Glossary