How Do You Make A Preliminary Splint For A Fractured Femur?
Splinting a fracture of the femur – the large bone in the upper part of the leg – is a two-stage process. This is the first stage. Assess for a fracture (see “How to Assess for Fracture”). Immobilize the injury: Any movement is not only very painful but can worsen the injury. Apply traction: Have a second rescuer gently pull on the heel to straighten the leg. Maintain traction throughout the splinting process. Find rigid material that is long enough to extend from the crotch to below the knee. One possibility is to cut an ensolite sleeping pad to the correct length and then fold it over to increase rigidity. Gather materials to tie the splint into place. Any of the following will do: pack straps, rope, clothing, belts, bandannas, triangular bandages. Make sure the leg is straight. Place the splinting material along the underside of the leg (hamstring) so that it extends from the crotch to below the underside of the knee. Fold the splinting material up around the sides of the leg. Tie t
