How to splint a broken finger or dislocated elbow/shoulder?

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I tried googling it but I just get so confused. Thanks in advance for the help

OldDude said:
Speaking of awesome...I want to hear more about the wooden traction splint.

Before we had all these fancy traction splints we used a long notched board. The un-notched end went into the patient's axilla (yes I know...ouch). An ankle hitch was applied using a cravat (folded up t-bandage). Another cravat was threaded through the bottom of the hitch and secured to the notched end of the board. A windlass was inserted into that cravat and twisted to proved traction. The board was secured to the patient with additional cravats and the patient was placed on a backboard. Sometimes an additional board was placed on the inside of the leg. You can also do this with sticks.

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From the student nurse but long time Wilderness First Responder instructor, I'd highly recommend taking a WFR course from NOLS-Wilderness Medical Institute. 8 days of splinting, triangle bandages, and reducing dislocations. And counts for CEU. Highly recommend it.

Excellent course. There is also Outdoor Emergency Care taught by the National Ski Patrol.

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From the student nurse but long time Wilderness First Responder instructor, I'd highly recommend taking a WFR course from NOLS-Wilderness Medical Institute. 8 days of splinting, triangle bandages, and reducing dislocations. And counts for CEU. Highly recommend it.

Excellent course. There is also Outdoor Emergency Care taught by the National Ski Patrol and The American Red Cross also teaches a first aid course which might be more reasonable as its focus is less outdoors more mainstream.

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I'll have to disagree with the others. Splinting is basic first aid and certainly within my authority. However, it's purely a temporary thing to get the patient to an ER or orthopedist to properly diagnose whether there is a fracture or not and what to do about it.

Can you explain how you splint?

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From the student nurse but long time Wilderness First Responder instructor, I'd highly recommend taking a WFR course from NOLS-Wilderness Medical Institute. 8 days of splinting, triangle bandages, and reducing dislocations. And counts for CEU. Highly recommend it.

Is it online?

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
Before we had all these fancy traction splints we used a long notched board. The un-notched end went into the patient's axilla (yes I know...ouch). An ankle hitch was applied using a cravat (folded up t-bandage). Another cravat was threaded through the bottom of the hitch and secured to the notched end of the board. A windlass was inserted into that cravat and twisted to proved traction. The board was secured to the patient with additional cravats and the patient was placed on a backboard. Sometimes an additional board was placed on the inside of the leg. You can also do this with sticks.

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That explains it. I've never placed a traction splint on a femur fracture; only "practice" and it's been with the traditional manufactured type. I was having trouble visualizing the lateral brace but that explains it. Thank You! When you made one out of saplings I'm sure you got permissions from the Forest Service to cut them down, right?

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When you made one out of saplings I'm sure you got permissions from the Forest Service to cut them down, right?

:roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao:

Don't tell anybody but I also drink in state parks! :bag:

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Is it online?

No. It's hands on. It would be impossible to teach on-line.

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Is it online?

You cant do triangle bandages, reductions or other techniques online.

You have to build muscle memory.

https://www.nols.edu/en/about/wilderness-medicine/medical-professionals/

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From the student nurse but long time Wilderness First Responder instructor, I'd highly recommend taking a WFR course from NOLS-Wilderness Medical Institute. 8 days of splinting, triangle bandages, and reducing dislocations. And counts for CEU. Highly recommend it.

My husband and I are taking the 2 day course in December thru REI.

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My husband and I are taking the 2 day course in December thru REI.

Can you give me more info? please

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Can you give me more info? please

REI.com check to see if there is a store in your area. REI is an outdoor, camping, hiking etc store.

We do alot of backpacking, hiking, camping etc. My husband thought it would be a good idea to learn some outdoor skills - and of course it may be good info in case of a Zombie Apocalypse (this became a joke in our house when my husband became interested in keeping a emergency kit of food, supplies etc) :)

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