Homemade Arm Splint

A homemade arm splint can be made with many things in your house or backyard. Knowing this life-saving tool will benefit your friends and family. This type of splint is useful if someone in your family breaks his/her arm at home, as it keeps the arm in place until you reach the hospital, where it will be professionally set.

Cloth

• The main component of an arm splint is the cloth because it holds the arm in place. A large T-shirt, a torn sheet or a bath towel will work. The cloth must be big enough to fold diagonally and cover the entire arm.

Stick

• The arm will be secured by the stick. Therefore, it must be longer than the lower arm. If the break is above the elbow, the stick must be longer than the entire arm. Useful tools include a baseball bat, a tree branch, a broken hockey stick or a pole.

String, Rope, Handkerchief

• Many types of material can be used to tie the splint. A bed sheet or T-shirt torn into long strips, a thick rope or durable string are suitable. This material will be used to hold the stick, the cloth and the arm together.

Putting It Together

• Hold the arm firmly through this entire process. Any movement will cause pain and may cause more damage to the arm. Place the stick next to the arm. Tie the string to the stick and the arm snuggly. Wrap the cloth around the arm and the stick, tying a knot above the opposite shoulder. Use any remaining string to tie the brace to the victim's body. Help your victim to receive the professional care that he or she needs.