A splint is used to keep an injured body part from moving and to protect it from any further damage. It can help ease the pain of an injury and can assist in slowing the movement of venom.
There are purpose made splint boards, but you can create a temporary splint from first aid equipment and materials around you and.
Making a splint
The first thing you'll need when making a splint is something rigid. You can use:
- Board, plank or heavy stick
- Rolled-up bandages
- Rolled-up newspaper
- Rolled-up towel
If you're using something with sharp or rough edges, such as a stick or board, pad it well by wrapping it in cloth.
To fasten the splint in place, you can use bandages, shoelaces, belts, ropes, and strips of cloths.
Step 1
Apply padding to the splint by wrapping in a bandage, gauze, or a piece of cloth.
Step 2
Place the splint so that it rests on the joints above below the injury.
If you're splinting a forearm, place the splint under the forearm. Then, tie or tape it to the arm at the wrist and just below the elbow.
Avoid placing ties directly over the injured area.
Step 3
Once the splinting is complete, check the areas around it every few minutes for signs of decreased blood circulation.
If the hands or feet loose feeling, begin to appear pale, swollen, or tinged with blue, loosen the ties that are holding the splint.
If they complain that the splint is causing pain, try loosening the ties. Ensure no ties were placed over the injury.
