How to Use Cardboard to Protect the Ankle

Cardboard is used frequently by emergency medical services as a formable splint to protect injured extremities such as ankles, arms, shoulders and legs. A formable splint is a splint that can be molded into many shapes to support oddly shaped extremities. One such example of this would be the ankle. Many ankle injuries require support on each side of the leg and under the heel to prevent further damage. Cardboard can be easily formed around the leg to protect an injured ankle until definitive care is available.

Things You'll Need

• Cardboard
• Tape
• Gauze

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Instructions

• 1

  Inspect the ankle, looking for obvious deformity, swelling, protruding bones or bleeding. An obvious deformity would be any abnormal change in the appearance of the leg such as twisting, shortening or dislocation.

• 2

  Cover any bleeding with a sterile gauze pad and apply slight pressure. Protruding bones should also be covered with damp sterile gauze.

• 3

  Lift the injured ankle, gently supporting the heel of the foot with one hand. Additional support can be given by placing one hand further up the leg behind the knee. Do not exert pressure on the ankle. Only trained professionals should attempt to manipulate the limb.

• 4

  Slide the cardboard under the leg. If you do not have any free hands, ask someone to assist you. Any type of cardboard is acceptable for use. Emergency medical personnel use cardboard with padded areas and pre-creased folds.

• 5

  Set the ankle on top of the cardboard gently. Fold the cardboard up so that it surrounds the injured ankle on either side.

• 6

  Fill in the voids, or spaces between the cardboard and leg, with gauze rolls, pillows, rolled clothing or any other type of material that can fill the space without putting excess pressure on the leg.

• 7

  Place tape across the top of the cardboard, moving from one side to the other over the top of the leg to secure the cardboard in place.