How to Operate Leg Traction Splints

Femur fractures are a true emergency and are often stabilized in the field by the application of a traction splint. There are many types of traction splints available including the Hare, Sager, Kendrick and CT-6 splints. Each has its own specific method of application, but they all rely on the same principle of tensioning the leg to stop angulation of the bones and prevent further pain and damage to the surrounding area. You should practice with whichever model you will likely be using, whether you are carrying your own or volunteering with an ambulance service. Most splints require two professional EMTs working together to be properly applied.

Things You'll Need

• Traction splint
• Assistant rescuer
• Backboard

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Instructions

• 1

  Ensure the scene is safe and utilize all Body Substance Isolation, or BSI, protocols.

• 2

  Cut the patients pant leg up the seam to expose the area of the break. Confirm a femur break by swelling, redness, obvious deformity and of course -- extreme pain. Control any bleeding and monitor the patient for shock.

• 3

  Check the patients leg for a pulse, motor function and sensation distal to the injury.

• 4

  Lay the splint out next to the patient's uninjured leg and adjust it to the proper length. The splint should extend 12 inches past the patient's foot.

• 5

  Open the four Velcro support straps and position them along the splint. One strap should be placed at mid-thigh, one just above the knee, one below the knee and the fourth at the ankle. If Velcro straps are not available, use cravats tied out of triangular bandages.

• 6

  Manually support and stabilize the injured leg to prevent any motion of the break while the ankle hitch is secured around the patients ankle. Loop the strap around the back of the heel, and form an 'X' over the top of the foot with the ankle strap. Generally the patient's shoe is removed, if possible.

• 7

  Apply manual traction by grasping the ankle hitch firmly and pulling in a straight line. The EMT that undertakes manual traction must choose a position that he will be comfortable in for several minutes. Once traction is started, it cannot be released. Use only enough force to realign the limb and enable it to fit into the splint.

• 8

  Slide the splint into position under the patients injured leg. The curved upper ring should be firmly against the patient's hip.

• 9

  Add padding to the groin area for patient comfort and secure the ischial, or hip, strap across the top of the thigh.

• 10

  Connect the D-Rings on the ankle hitch to the end of the split. Use the ratchet mechanism on the splint to take up any slack. Once traction is secured with the splint, the EMT can release manual traction. Be careful not to over-stretch the leg. Once the leg is the same length as the other and the patient feels relief enough traction has been applied.

• 11

  Fasten the remaining three Velcro straps to secure the leg to the length of the splint.

• 12

  Check the patients extremity again for a pulse, motor function and sensation distal to the injury.

• 13

  Place the patient on a backboard and transport immediately.