Splints for the thumb are used only when a victim must be moved by non-emergency medical personnel. Signs and symptoms of an injured thumb include pain, swelling, redness, an inability to move the thumb and bones protruding out of the skin. There are three bones and three joints that affect movement of the thumb. The ligaments securing the thumb bones may be sprained, the muscles of the thumb may be strained or the bones of the thumb may be fractured or dislocated. Immobilize these structures to prevent further injury.
Soft Splint
Step 1
Splint the thumb in the position you find it, advises the American Red Cross.
Step 2
Instruct the victim to rest his forearm on his thigh or support it with his uninjured arm.
Step 3
Place a rolled-up bandage in the palm of the victim's injured hand as close to his thumb as possible.
Step 4
Wrap another bandage around the entire hand, securing the bandage, thumb and fingers in place. Ask the victim if the bandage feels too tight or lose around her hand. Ask if she feels any tingling in his thumb, fingers or hand.
Step 5
Check for sufficient circulation to the victim's hand by feeling his fingers to see if they are cold or by observing the color of his fingers. Do not touch or move his thumb.
Hard Splint
Step 1
Immobilize the victim's wrist after applying a soft splint in case the injury is to the base of her thumb by folding a magazine, newspaper or cardboard. Use any clean, rigid material that is available.
Step 2
Place the rigid item underneath the victim's hand, wrist and forearm.
Step 3
Secure the paper to the victim using roller bandages; wrap one bandage around his hand and one bandage around the lower half of his forearm.
Tips and Warnings
- Apply a cold pack to the victim's palm, thumb and fingers before splinting only if it does not cause further pain. This helps to reduce swelling, inflammation and pain.
- Provide first-aid help only if trained and certified to do so, reducing risk of legal liability. Have the victim seek advanced medical attention immediately to reduce further damage to the affected hand.
Things You'll Need
- 4 Roller bandages
- Magazine or newspaper
References
- "Anatomy & Physiology"; Gary Thibodeau, Ph.D. and Kevin Patton, Ph.D.; 2007
- "First Aid/CPR/AED for Schools and the Community"; American Red Cross; 2006
