Trauma - Splinting

Clinical Indications: &= nbsp; &nbs= p; &= nbsp;

______ 1. Immobilization of an extremity for transport, eit= her due to suspected fracture,

&= nbsp; sprain, or injury

______ 2. Immobilization of an extremity for transport to secure medically necessary

&= nbsp; devices such as intravenous catheters

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______ 1. Assess and document pulses, sensation, and motor function prior to placement of the splint.= If no pulses are present and a fracture is suspected, consider reduc= tion of the fracture prior to the placement of the splint.

______ 2. Remove all clothing from the extremity.

______ 3. Select a site to secure the splint both proximal = and distal to the area of the suspected injury, or the area where the medical device will be placed.

______ 4. Do not secure the splinting device directly over = the injury.

______ 5. Place the splint and secure with Velcro, straps, = or bandage material (e.g., kling, kerlex, cloth bandage, etc.) depending on the splint manufacture and design.

______ 6. Document pulses, movement and sensation of the splinted extremity. If there = has been a deterioration of any of these three parameters, remove splint and reassess the patient.

______ 7. If a closed femur fracture suspected and there is= no evidence of pelvic fracture or instability, the following procedure may be followed for placement of a femoral traction splint:

______ 8. Assess neurovascular function and status of injur= ed extremity.

______ 9. Second rescuer to hold manual traction and stabilization (manually pull until the patient feels some relief).

______ 10. Place the ankle device on the ankle.

______ 11. Measure the traction splint by using the uninjured leg and pull splint out approximately 4-6 inches past the foot and lock in place.

<= span style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol'>· Place the proximal end of the traction splint und= er the patient’s buttock on the injured side (isheal bone area), being careful to avoid any open wounds or placing too much pressure on the genitalia. Make sure the spli= nt extends proximal to the suspected injured area, if not reassess for pelvic involvement.

______ 12. The extremity should rest on the support bands, placement of a cravat or bandage material in the groin area may be necessary for patient comfort. Secure t= he device in the groin area with the provided strap.

______ 13. Attach the ankle device to the traction crank and slowly crank until resistance is met. Secure the support bands to the patient’s leg avoiding the inj= ured area, knee and ankle.

______ 14. Reassess alignment, pulses, sensation, and motor function. If there has been deterioration of any of these three parameters, release the traction and reassess.

______ 15. Document the procedure, time and patient response= , to include evaluation of pre and post assessment of pulses, sensation and motor function in the electronic PCR.

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Certification Requirements:

Succ= essfully complete a biannual evaluation including the indications, contraindications, technique, and possible complications of the procedure.

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