How to Use Splints

Splinting can be very useful first aid for emergency situations. Learn how to splint a bone in this first aid video.

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Shape splint to the bone
Support fractured body part
Consult a doctor

About this Author

Mike Vera is an athletic trainer the Roger Clemens Institute at Memorial Hermann Hospital. The Clemens Institute is the largest, most comprehensive medically based sports program in the Southwest.

MIKE VERA: I would like to talk to you about splinting. This isn't something that you use all the time. But I think in terms of first aid, perhaps a family outing, perhaps you're riding your bike in the woods, something happens, you suspect an injury that needs to be splinted. I would like to show you a few simple ways to do it. Now remember, in terms of splinting, you always want to support above and below the site of injury. For example, the forearm, if you suspect that you fractured your forearm, you want to be able to support it through the hand and through the elbow. An easy way to do it, obviously--there are commercial products to buy out there that are already flexible. They are bendable; they are moldable. You can even use something in an emergency like a magazine. You simply take it here. Remember, in terms of a splint, you are looking strictly to support it until you can get to the ER. Remember, if you are splinting, it's probably a good idea to visit the doctor.

How to Use Splints Video

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