How to Make a Splint

For certain types of injuries, especially those that occur when a doctor or other health professional is not present, the best method of treatment with the injured area is to stabilize it and render it motionless to avoid any risk of further injury. Suspected bone fractures or joint sprains also require that the injured site be immobilized. A splint is a device that aids in accomplishing this task by securing the injured area to a rigid object.

Instructions

• 1

  Begin by treating any cuts or lacerations, which should be cleaned as completely as possible. Any foreign objects, such as broken glass or dirt in a wound or cut, should be removed. Bleeding should be stopped or slowed with direct pressure, if possible.

• 2

  Find something rigid that is long enough to extend beyond the injured area in both directions. An uninjured body part can also be used; for example, if one finger is injured, and the finger next to it is not, the uninjured finger can be used to stabilize the injured finger.

• 3

  Place the rigid material directly underneath or next to the injured area. If possible, have the rigid material cover both the joint above and the joint below the injured area.

• 4

  Secure the injured body part to the rigid material. The body part can be taped or tied to the rigid material with whatever is nearby, such as shoestrings, neckties or belts. Care should be taken not to tie or tape too tightly so as to cut off circulation; proper circulation should be maintained. After the injured area has been stabilized with the splint, seek professional medical attention.