USER GUIDE
Contents
1. SAM SPLINT 7 USER GUIDE A pocket guide to the most universal splint on the planet UPPER BODY amp EXTREMITIES LOWER EXTREMITIES ALTERNATIVE USES Written by Sam Scheinberg M D Published by SAM Medical Products PO Box 3270 Tualatin OR 97062 800 818 4726 Second Edition Copyright 2012 SAM Medical Products All rights reserved No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic mechanical or other means without permission in writing from the publisher Printed in the USA SAM Splint User Guide 1 SPLINT USER GUIDE Written by Sam Scheinberg M D e The SAM Splint is universal It can be used to splint any part of the body e Lightweight 4 oz for 4 25 x 36 splint e Waterproof e Easy to use e Radiolucent You can x ray through it e Foam padded for comfort e Easily rolled or folded for storage e Reusable Easily cleaned and disinfected with normal cleaning solutions e Not affected by ambient temperature extremes or altitude It even works underwater e Cuts easily with regular scissors e Fastens in place with tape or wrap No extra equipment is required e Will not puncture SAM Splint User Guide As a trauma surgeon in Vietnam and later as the first orthopedic surgeon on the rugged Oregon Coast Sam Scheinberg learned about the types of remote settings in which a splint might become necessary Sam found that the spl2. Step 4 Place the splint against the outside of the leg and fold the soft portion of the splint under the foot to create a foot plate 38 SAM Splint User Guide Lower Extremities Step 5 Adjust splint to fit the leg Step 6 Secure with your wrap of choice Applications e Leg fractures tibula or fibula SAM Splint User Guide Lower Extremities 39 N LU E gt lt Lu co HI l DOUBLE LONG LEG Step 1 If footwear is removed or when the ankle is exposed place padding above and around the boney prominences on each side of the ankle He L E eg E gt lt i c wi CH a Step 2 Create a long leg splint as shown in the Single Long Leg segment of this manual Step 3 Apply the long leg splint to the outer aspect of the leg Step 4 Prepare a second splint identical to the first Apply this splint to the inner aspect of the leg 40 SAM Splint User Guide Lower Extremities Step 5 Fold the soft flat end over the first footplate Step 6 Secure both splints to leg with your wrap of choice Applications e Leg fractures tibula or fibula where greater immobilization is needed SAM Splint User Guide Lower Extremities 41 N LU E gt lt Lu co HI l KNEE IMMOBILIZER Step 1 Fold a 36 inch SAM Splint in the center to create 2 equal halves Spread the two halves to produce a fan shaped splint wider at the top for th
3. i SAM VETERINARY SPLINT Use of the SAM Splint in Veterinary Medicine The SAM Splint well accepted in the human field has been care fully evaluated and improved to meet the unique requirements of veterinary medicine Applications e Carpitis And Tarsitis e Metacarpal And Metatarsal Fractures e Post surgical Support for IM Pinning or Plating of the Radius Ulna Tibia or Fibula e Greenstick and Fissure Fractures e Distal Tibia and Fibula Fractures in small dogs and cats e Post Reduction Luxated Tibial Tarsal Joint e Emergency Immobilization of Humeral amp Femoral Fractures while awaiting surgical treatment e Post Tendon Repair e Chewing Restraints e Post Surgical Ear Crop Support Racks e Avian Fractures 52 SAM Splint User Guide Other SAM Products SAM SOFT SHELL SPLINT LO Ee Ea a D Hd ka HI This combines the properties of a SAM Splint with soft comfortable materials for long wearing comfort Easily removed and reshaped No messy resins plasters rigid metal or thermoplastics Each SAM Soft Shell Splint offers two levels of rigidity thanks to differing thick nesses of aluminum at each end Please visit sammedical com for complete product details SAM Splint User Guide Other SAM Products 53 SAM PELVIC SLING II N Ee E3 i cc A lt n cc H ka i The SAM Pelvic Sling Um with its patented auto stop
4. gt lt lu o gt a i D c lu GP HUMERAL SHAFT UPPER ARM Step 1 Fold one third of a 36 inch SAM Splint upon itself to create a 12 inch section of double layered splint Hd E W cc gt lt HI E gt Gd a cc HI 8 a gt d Step 2 Curve the double layer into a fishhook shape and secure the double layer with your wrap of choice Step 3 Form a C Curve along the shank of the fishhook for strength and fit 22 SAM Splint User Guide Upper Body amp Extremities Step 4 Apply the splint to the patient Fold any excess splint over the patient s shoulder or back upon itself Step 5 Secure with your wrap of choice Apply a sling and swath for additional support Applications e Humeral shaft fractures SAM Splint User Guide Upper Body amp Extremities 23 N H c lt lu o gt a i D c lu A Q Hd E W cc lt HI E gt D a cc HI 8 a gt SUGAR TONG Step 1 Fold a 36 inch SAM Splint in half Step 2 To obtain the correct length use the patient s arm as a template Place the folded splint around the elbow so the end of the top half stops at the knuck les Fold the bottom half down even with the top Step 3 Form a C Curve in each half Extend the C Curve no further than two thirds the distance down each half If you extend the curve farther it will limit your abilit
5. buckle is the world s first and only force controlled circumferential pelvic belt scientifically proven in peer reviewed studies to provide safe and effective reduction and stabilization of open book pelvic fractures 54 SAM Splint User Guide Other SAM Products BLIST 0 BAN LO Ee Ea a D Hd ka HI Blist O Ban is premium blister prevention bandage ideal for all types of athletic use Blist O Ban is a patented bandage with a built in partially inflated dome that glides smoothly in all directions dispersing friction and shear forces that cause blisters Please visit sammedical com for complete product details SAM Splint User Guide Other SAM Products 55 SAM CHEST SEAL N 2 D lt Ed Ka lu The SAM Chest Seal is an occlusive dressing designed for treating open chest wounds a life threatening situation that could lead to tension pneumothorax The featured hydrogel adhesive also allows for the ability to reseal making it ideal for venting The SAM Chest Seal is also available in a valve version The one way valve provides for low resistance flow of air out of the chest cavity while preventing ingress 56 SAM Splint User Guide Other SAM Products Who uses the SAM Splint From outer space to the depths of the ocean in all conditions of weather and terrain the SAM Splint is the emergency splint of choice for Military Medics Athleti
6. in 1985 Sam and Cherrie were selling the first SAM Splint Today the SAM Splint is the most popular emergency splint in the world favored not only by emergency crews but also by armed services athletic trainers and outdoor adventurers To quote Outward Bound s Wilderness First Aid Hand book It is the only splint worth carrying on your back The SAM Splint is a product that has come to reflect SAM Medical Product s philosophy in all of its endeavors If you re going to make something don t just make it good make it better than anything else currently available Make it so much better that like the SAM Splint it sets a new gold standard in its field 4 SAM Splint User Guide CONTENTS Introduction ee ceeceecceseeecscesesecsecsceessecateatneeees 7 Basic Information amp General Information 8 The Concept The Basic Bend Advanced Bends ANA WS Upper Body amp Extremities 14 MED 14 Volar WIST inas 15 Hill BT E 17 Ulnar Cie 19 Double Layer Wriet 20 Humeral Shaft Upper Am 22 Sugar TONO E Dislocated Elbow Adjustable Cervical Collar Anterior Dislocation of the Shoulder 31 SAM Splint User Guide CONTENTS 6 PR Lower Evtremtttes EEN 32 Ankle Stirrup ccesccssesssssssssssersssseessssssensreess 32 Figure EION 22 sc4eccccscscsccunstessectstcscentccecasshenstenss 34 Combo Ankle Stirrup amp Figure EDabt 36 Single LONG L
7. To prevent any injury from the exposed edge we recommend folding the edge on itself 1 to 2 times Covering the edge with tape is also effective The foam used in the SAM Splint was selected for its cleanability Whether cut or used intact the splint can be cleaned with antiseptic soap and water or with almost any protocol cleaning solution We suggest an inexpensive 1 9 mixture of commercially available bleach and water The closed pore polyurethane foam which promotes ef fective cleaning does not however absorb or allow passage of air or perspiration This does not present a problem during short term use SAM Splint User Guide Basic Instructions amp General Information 9 If however the splint is to be maintained for prolonged periods hours to days some absorbent material such as cotton cloth cast padding or double tubular stockinette should be placed between the splint and patient to prevent skin maceration and odor Although the foam does provide some padding an additional soft pad should be placed around all bony prominences to prevent pressure points when prolonged use is contemplated Technical Details The core of the SAM Splint is a long rectangle of ultra thin aluminum alloy The covering layers are made of dermatologically safe foam The SAM Splint is 4 25 wide and comes in pre packaged lengths of 36 inches 18 inches and 9 inches for splinting everything from a child s arm to a basketball player s
8. foot support section in your pack along with duct tape safety pins and strong cord to be used for traction as desired To create the half ring hip support place two ski poles handle facing handle each on the outer third of a 36 inch flat SAM Splint 46 SAM Splint User Guide Alternative Uses n Lu He Lu lt z oc Lu 5 lt Step 2 Roll each end of the splint tightly around the handles and secure the splint with duct tape The rolled middle third of the SAM Splint is then folded as the ski poles are aligned parallel to each other The position of the ski poles is maintained by firmly fitting the tips of the poles into the tapered holes in the foot support The rolled hip support section of the SAM Splint be tween the two ski poles handles is now contoured to resemble a Thomas half ring 3 Step 3 Duct tape thigh and calf supports are then applied and may be reinforced with cloth or elastic wraps SAM Splint User Guide Alternative Uses 47 N Lu N H E E H E FLASHLIGHT HOLDER CANOE PADDLE x Cut a small strip of splint sufficiently long enough to wrap around the stem of your glasses and around your flashlight This will allow you to use your light hands free It is excellent for reading in bed One end of the 36 inch splint is rolled to create a hand grip The splint extending from that grip is folded to a corru
9. fractures e Thumb dislocations or fractures e Ulnar collateral ligament sprains e Tendonitis 18 SAM Splint User Guide Upper Body amp Extremities ULNAR GUTTER Step 1 Fold a 9 inch SAM Splint length wise Step 2 Using the ulnar side of your own hand and wrist as a template mold the splint into the desired shape Step 3 Apply to the patient Step 4 Make fine adjustments as needed and secure with your wrap of choice Applications e Fifth metacarpel fractures e Little finger injuries e Ring finger injuries SAM Splint User Guide Upper Body amp Extremities 19 N H c lt lu o gt a i D c lu a KE DOUBLE LAYER WRIST Step 1 Fold a 36 inch SAM Splint in half upon itself Hd E W cc ke lt HI E gt DN a cc HI 8 a Step 2 Roll the end over to provide more comfort for the fingers Step 3 Add strength by creating a C Curve 20 SAM Splint User Guide Upper Body amp Extremities Step 4 Using your own right or left arm as a template mold the splint to the general shape of the wrist and forearm Step 5 Make adjustments to fit the injury and apply to the patient Only small adjustments should be made once the splint is in place Secure with your wrap of choice Applications e Wrist fractures or sprains e Tendonitis e Lacerations SAM Splint User Guide Upper Body amp Extremities 21 N H c
10. from oil pipe covers to funnels wind screens and even a frame for a wash basin don t leave home without a SAM Splint in my emergency gear Peter Kummerfeldt Renowned Survival Expert Trainer Peter is a retired US Air Force veteran who trains Air Force Pilots in survival tactics and travels the continent lecturing on how to survive in extreme wilderness conditions 44 SAM Splint User Guide Alternative Uses HEAD BED FLAME GUARD If a pre formed Head Bed is not available a SAM Splint can be used according to the illustration The splint is placed flat beneath the head It is then contoured to each side of the head The remaining ends of the splint are folded in triangles which apply pressure to each side of the head These triangles and the head itself are secured with tape A 36 inch SAM Splint can be used as a flame guard for those situations when the flame in your camping stove keeps get ting blown out by gusts of wind SAM Splint User Guide Alternative Uses 45 n Lu He Lu St z oc Lu 5 THOMAS HALF RING SPLINT FOR FEMUR FRACTURES N Lu N H 2 E E H 5 Step 1 First create the foot support by cutting an 8 inch section from an old ski pole Drill 2 holes 6 inches apart through this foot support section The hole should be sized with a larger entry hole and a smaller exit hole to tightly accommodate the tapered end of the ski pole Keep the
11. leg They are also available as a finger splint which measures 3 75 x 1 75 and in an XL size with a width of 5 5 10 SAM Splint User Guide Basic Instructions amp General Information Safety Tips If prolonged use is anticipated more than a few hours place absorbent material such as cotton cloth between the splint and the skin to prevent skin irritation and odor Also to prevent uncomfortable pressure points during prolonged use place soft padding such as gauze pads around all boney prominences When cutting the splint avoid using serrated scissors as they may produce sharp edges After cutting roll the cut end over or apply tape to cover any exposed metal CAUTION The splint is non sterile To reuse the SAM Splint wash thoroughly with disinfectant before repacking SAM Splint User Guide Basic Instructions amp General Information 11 THE CONCEPT THE BASIC BEND ASAM Splint in its virgin state without any bends is completely malleable When a curve or fold is placed anywhere across its longitu dinal axis it becomes rigid and suitable for splinting almost any bone on the body Always use curves to add strength and rigidity to the SAM Splint The basic C Curve meets most splinting needs STRONG The C Curve To create the C Curve place both thumbs in the center of the SAM Splint Using your thumbs as a brace pull the edges of the splint toward you to create a shallow C Curve This curve immediately ad
12. L COLLAR If no pre formed cervical collar is available a 36 inch SAM Splint can be used to form an Adjustable Cervical Collar Hd E W Le gt lt HI E gt a cc Wu 8 a Step 1 Fold a 36 inch SAM Splint five inches from the end Step 2 Bracing your thumbs on each side of the fold pull the upper edges toward you to create a V shaped chin rest Step 3 Place the chin rest beneath the patient s chin and lower jaw Be careful to avoid pressure on the front of the neck Loop the remaining portion of the splint loosely around the neck 28 SAM Splint User Guide Upper Body amp Extremities Step 4 Bring the end forward and down in an oblique direction until it touches the chest This creates the correct chin to chest distance for the chin post N H c gt lt lu o gt a i D c lu a gt Step 5 While continuing to support the chin bring the chest portion of the splint around the original chin rest to create a chin post Squeeze to deepen the chin post Step 6 Insert your index fingers in each side of the looped splint Pull outward SAM Splint User Guide Upper Body amp Extremities 29 ADJUSTABLE CERVICAL COLLAR CONTINUED Step 7 Squeeze to create two side or lateral posts and ensure a snug fit Hd E W cc lt HI E gt a cc HI 8 a gt Step 8 If the patient is sitting you can f
13. c Trainers First Responders EMS Wilderness Rescue Ski Patrols Outdoor Adventurers Safety Engineers Veterinarians and more For 20 years have advised medical personnel on what medical gear to take on expeditions These folks often ask me what include in my kit no matter where I m traveling no matter how short the trip My answer a few important medications some tape and always a SAM Splint No other device allows for so many variations for treating an unimaginable variety of orthopedic emergencies Howard J Donner M D Medical Operations Coordinator NASA This splint is pure genius light and compact yet strong and resilient use it on every hike up to and back from Everest Base Camp won t leave home without it Luanne Freer M D FACEP President Wilderness Medical Society Medical Director Yellowstone National Park Director Everest Base Camp Medical Clinic The SAM Splint is a versatile tool that should be a part of every certified athletic trainer s field kit Ron Porterfield Athletic Trainer Tampa Bay Devil Rays SAM Macs a PO BOX 3270 TUALATIN OR 97062 INFO SAMMEDICAL COM SAMMEDICAL COM 800 818 4726 503 639 5474 MADE IN USA ISO 13485 2003 CERTIFIED SPL 510 USE 1
14. ds strength and rigidity to the splint For greater strength deepen the bend 12 SAM Splint User Guide Basic Instructions amp General Information ADVANCED BENDS STRONGER The Reverse C Curve First form a C Curve Then add additional strength by bending the edges of the C Curved splint back in the reverse direction STRONGEST The T Curve This bend adds exceptional strength to the splint To create the T Curve fold the outer edges of the splint together Next bend half of each side of the fold in the opposite direction to create a T shaped beam SAM Splint User Guide Basic Instructions amp General Information 13 Hd Le LL cc gt lt lu i gt D cc Lu D Q FINGER SPLINT Step 1 To create a simple finger splint or fingertip guard first form a SAM Finger Splint into the C Curve Step 2 Place the finger in the curved surface of the splint Squeeze the end of the splint to e create a fingertip guard O Step 3 Secure with your wrap of choice Applications e Fingertip injuries e Finger fractures e Finger lacerations 14 SAM Splint User Guide Upper Body amp Extremities VOLAR WRIST Step 1 Roll the end of a 9 inch for children or 18 inch for adults SAM Splint over to provide comfort for fingers Step 2 Apply a C Curve Step 3 Using your own right or left hand and wrist as a template mold the splint into the positi
15. e thigh and narrower at the bottom for the calf He L E eg E gt lt i c wi CH el Step 2 Apply tape to the top and middle portions of the splint to maintain the fan shape Step 3 Create a second fan shaped splint Step 4 Form a C Curve in each SAM Splint 42 SAM Splint User Guide Lower Extremities Step 5 The C Curves should Appeal as above Step 7 Secure with your wrap of choice Step 6 Place one splint on each side of the knee and make fine adjustments to fit Applications e Knee injuries e Sprains e Strains SAM Splint User Guide Lower Extremities 43 N LU E gt lt Lu co HI l ALTERNATIVE USES Military Personnel Athletic Trainers Paramedics and Outdoor Adventurers are among the core group of enthusiasts who first recognized the versatility of the SAM Splint Often working with limited resources these creative individuals have devised numerous thought provoking alternative uses for the SAM Splint They have been kind enough to share their innovations with us Bi LU N H 2 E E H EN The following pages highlight some of our favorite alternative uses for the SAM Splint In a survival situation the real value of a piece of equipment is not just that it accomplishes what it is designed to do but that it can also be used to solve many other problems faced by those in trouble have modified SAM Splints into everything
16. es nN LU E gt lt Lu cc HI l Step 4 Fold the second half of the splint around the first in a Figure Eight position Crimp as necessary to fit Step 5 Secure with your wrap of choice Applications e Ankle fractures and sprains SAM Splint User Guide Lower Extremities 35 COMBO ANKLE STIRRUP amp FIGURE EIGHT He E eg E gt lt i c wi CH a Step 1 First apply a Figure Eight Splint as shown in the previous section of this training manual Step 2 Next prepare an Ankle Stirrup Splint as shown in previous section of this training manual Step 3 Apply the Ankle Stirrup Splint over the Figure Eight Splint 36 SAM Splint User Guide Lower Extremities nN LU E gt lt Lu cc HI l Step 4 Secure with your wrap of choice and crimp as needed to fit Applications e Ankle fractures and sprains where greater immobilization is needed SAM Splint User Guide Lower Extremities 37 SINGLE LONG LEG Step 1 If footwear is removed or when the ankle is exposed place padding above and around the boney prominences on each side of the ankle He Li E eg E gt lt i cc wi CH a Step 2 Apply a C Curve to approximately 30 inches of a 36 inch SAM Splint Leave the last 6 inches of the splint flat and soft to fold under the foot Step 3 For extra strength apply Reverse C Curves on the edges where necessary
17. gated cross section as illustrated This corrugation provides extreme strength for the paddle stem The corrugation although more relaxed extends into the paddle blade itself The handle and stem can be supported with duct tape 48 SAM Splint User Guide Alternative Uses SHORT SNOW SHOVEL Same as the canoe paddle except the EVA foam is cut or Beef burned away from the shovel K blade The outer edges may be acutely folded for additional strength CLIMBING HELMET A SAM Splint with duct tape can be used to construct a climbing helmet This idea came from Elizabeth Owen who created this helmet to protect a climbing accident victim 1 Keeps soups hot 2 Keeps beverages cold SAM Splint User Guide Alternative Uses 49 n Lu He Lu St z oc Lu 5 lt Bi LU N E H 2 E E H E FLEXIBLE CONTAINER SAM PAN To create a SAM Pan fold a 36 inch SAM Splint into a circle The opposing ends of the splint may be left open or secured with interlocking bends paper clips or duct tape Select a standard plas tic bag sized to your desired use Place the plastic bag within the splint circle and fold all excess bag over the splint edges The folded portion of the bag can be left free rolled over the splint or secured with paper clips You have now created a flexible basin suitable for many uses including 1 The irrigation of scalp trunk and extremity wounds With t
18. he ends of the splint left unfastened the head and neck easily fit within the plastic bag The pan can be molded to any area even between the legs 2 For thawing frost bite in a wilderness setting 3 For personal hygiene one can use the SAM Pan as a wash basin or for collecting body wastes i e emesis basin urinal or bed pan 4 For use as a trash container 5 In food preparation or as a serving bowl 6 For washing dishes 7 For general packing or storing of items in suitcases cupboards etc My special thanks to Brian Horner survival expert who created the first SAM Pan on the slopes of Mount Denali and successfully used it to thaw a frost bitten foot 50 SAM Splint User Guide Alternative Uses EMERGENCY SANDALS Another creation by Brian Horner Fold the SAM Splint to fit the contours of your foot and use rope to secure the sandal in place N Lu Pa H z oc Lu 5 IMPALED OBJECT PROTECTOR Cut a section of a SAM Splint to the desired length Make a series of parallel cuts along one margin of the splint to create a number of flaps Fold these flaps to 90 degrees so they lie at the right angle to the uncut margin of the splint Roll the splint on itself and secure with tape Place this device over the impaled object and secure to the body with tape or gauze SAM Splint User Guide Alternative Uses 51 N Ee E3 i cc A st n cc lu ka
19. iei 38 Double L ng Log sarsa 40 Knee Immobiltzer NNN 42 BB Alternative Uses E 44 HE Other SAM Medical Produite 52 SAM Splint User Guide INTRODUCTION This manual begins with a discussion of the general properties of the splint This section contains information regarding construction principles of use environmental comments cutting cleaning and precautions The techniques described are not intended to be all inclusive but should contain the most commonly used SAM Splint configurations At the urging of my wilderness medicine comrades have included a chapter on alternative uses A special thanks is extended to my energetic wife Cherrie whose encouragement produced this book and to our volunteer and professional emergency medical personnel friends around the world for their support ideas and ingenuity Sam Splint User Guide Introduction 7 BASIC INSTRUCTIONS amp GENERAL INFORMATION Acclaimed by emergency care providers and outdoor enthusiasts worldwide and even beyond the Earth on NASA space shuttles the SAM Splint is based on an ancient construction principle curves are strong Old style splints derive their strength from the materials from which they are constructed metal wood plaster etc To be strong they have to be heavy bulky and not easily adjustable The SAM Splint is built from a thin core of soft aluminum alloy sandwiched between two layers of closed cell foam Fresh out of the package the splin
20. ints of the 1960s and 1970s were woefully inadequate Bulky constructs of wire cardboard and all too easily punctured air chambers they couldn t be reused never seemed to fit and frequently caused more harm than good Field medics often substituted even more old fashioned techniques such SPLI NT as lashing poles and branches or even parts of a rifle to the injured limb On his return to the U S Sam pondered this problem off and on for several years Was there a way to make a lightweight strong reliable reusable splint After one 24 hour surgical shift Sam was idly watching TV and chewing a stick of gum He played with the foil gum wrapper folding it into a band and rolling it around his little finger He realized that although flimsy in its normal state the foil became much stronger when bent into a U shape Could a splint be made from something similar SAM Splint User Guide 3 The next day Sam obtained a larger piece of aluminum and put the idea to work A sheet of thin soft aluminum becomes remarkably rigid when curved With the right padding materials Sam realized it would make an exceptional splint Having satisfied his curiosity Sam nearly let the project drop But his wife Cherrie wouldn t let him In what Sam later called the luckiest ten minutes of nagging in my life she hounded him until he agreed pr Sieg to bring the product to the world After years of meticulous experimentation
21. on of function Step 4 Be sure to create a generous curve for the base of the thumb SAM Splint User Guide Upper Body amp Extremities 15 N H c lt lu E gt a i D c lu GP kl Hd lu cc gt lt HI 08 gt D cc lu D Q VOLAR WRIST CONTINUED Step 5 Obtain additional strength by folding up the ulnar little finger side of the splint Step 6 Apply to patient Step 7 Make fine adjustments as necessary Secure with your wrap of choice Applications e Wrist fractures pains e Lacerations e Carpal Tunnel Syndrome e Night splints 16 SAM Splint User Guide Upper Body amp Extremities THUMB SPICA Step 1 Using your own right or left thumb and wrist as a template mold the thumb spica shape into the selected SAM Splint A 9 inch splint works well for this Step 2 Be sure to create a generous curve for the base of the thumb Step 3 You may add Reverse C Curves on the edges as needed for additional strength if desired SAM Splint User Guide Upper Body amp Extremities 17 N H c lt lu o gt a i D c lu GP gt Hd Lu cc lt lu i gt D cc Lu D Q THUMB SPICA CONTINUED Step 4 Apply to the patient Make fine adjustments as necessary Step 5 Secure with your wrap of choice Applications e Navicular scaphoid
22. orm a back or posterior post in a similar manner Step 9 Fold up any excess splint Secure with tape or your wrap of choice Applications e Suspected neck injuries 30 SAM Splint User Guide Upper Body amp Extremities ANTERIOR DISLOCATION OF THE SHOULDER In this common dislocation the patient s arm is typically most com fortable when supported in the abducted sitting away from the body position The arm can be supported in this manner with a rolled ski parka blanket pillow or SAM Splint triangle To create a triangle your splint is first folded into thirds This produces three equal 12 sections of splint N H c gt lt lu o gt a i D c lu a Step 1 Fold the outer sections along the longitudinal axis leaving the middle section flat Hook the outer folded ends together producing a triangle A more rounded gentler curve or half circle is then folded along the longitudinal axis of the flat section of the triangle This curve is formed to contour to the shape of the arm Step 2 The triangle is then placed in the axilla and used to support the abducted arm The arm triangle is held in place by the patient or secured to the patient s trunk with your wrap of choice Applications e Shoulder dislocation SAM Splint User Guide Upper Body amp Extremities 31 He E eg E gt lt i c wi a ANKLE STIRRUP If a patien
23. t is extremely pliable Bent into a simple curve it becomes extremely strong and supportive for any fractured or injured limb It follows the mechanics of curved surfaces the same physics that allows skyscrapers and bridges to be built of beams and hollow columns rather than heavy steel pillars A flat piece of sheet metal bends easily but if you mold it into any of several structural curves it becomes much more rigid With these you can convert a simple SAM Splint into something so strong that people have even used it as an emergency canoe paddle or snow shovel At the same time the SAM Splint is extremely moldable and soft enough to cut with ordinary household scissors The result almost any bone in the body can be splinted It s even possible to use the SAM Splint to create an emergency cervical collar for neck injuries 8 SAM Splint User Guide Basic Instructions amp General Information The SAM Splint is radiolucent almost invisible on x ray It should NOT be removed for radiographs x rays It is designed to function through the extreme ranges of normal ambient temperatures It is waterproof but not fireproof The closed pore EVA foam will not flash when exposed to flame but will begin to melt and eventually ignite after approximately 8 seconds The SAM Splint is easily cut with ordinary scissors Cutting exposes the thin aluminum core Unless serrated scissors have been used the aluminum is usually not very sharp
24. t has to walk in rough terrain on the injured limb you may choose to leave footwear in place Step 1 If footwear is removed or when the ankle is exposed place padding above and around the boney prominences on each side of the ankle Step 2 Fold a 36 inch SAM Splint to create two equal halves Step 3 Apply C Curves two thirds of the distance down each half Add Reverse C Curves on the edges if needed for strength Do not extend the curves further or they will stiffen the splint and limit your ability to fold it around the foot and ankle 32 SAM Splint User Guide Lower Extremities Step 4 Fold the stirrup splint around the foot and ankle Step 5 Secure with your wrap of choice Applications e Ankle fractures and sprains e Lower leg fractures SAM Splint User Guide Lower Extremities 33 N LU E gt lt Lu co HI l FIGURE EIGHT If a patient has to walk in rough terrain on the injured limb you may GI Ri Lu cc e o choose to leave footwear in place amp So wel Step 1 If footwear is removed or when the ankle is exposed place padding above and around the boney prominences on each side of the ankle Step 2 Lay a 36 inch SAM Splint flat Place the patient s foot in the middle of the splint so that the splint lies just forward of the heel Step 3 Conform one half of the splint snugly around the ankle 34 SAM Splint User Guide Lower Extremiti
25. y to fold the splint around the elbow Step 4 Using your own right or left arm as a template shape the splint to fit 24 SAM Splint User Guide Upper Body amp Extremities Step 5 Pad any bony prominences about the wrist and elbow Step 6 Fit the splint to the patient Step 7 Secure splint with your wrap of choice Applications e Dislocated elbow e Maintaining elbow extension SAM Splint User Guide Upper Body amp Extremities 25 N lu cc lt lu o gt i D c lu A gt DISLOCATED ELBOW Step 1 Using the patient s non affected arm extend a 36 inch SAM Splint from just below the patient s armpit to the knuckles N H Ww cc lt HI E gt a cc W a a Step 2 Fold over any portion of the splint that extends beyond the knuckles Step 3 Form a C Curve down the entire length of the splint Step 4 Using your own right or left arm as a template shape the splint to fit 26 SAM Splint User Guide Upper Body amp Extremities Step 5 You may create Reverse C Curve bends on the edges as needed for strength Step 6 Apply the splint to the patient Step 7 Secure with your wrap of choice Applications e Dislocated elbow e Maintaining elbow extensions SAM Splint User Guide Upper Body amp Extremities 27 N H c gt lt lu o gt i D c lu GP a kl ADJUSTABLE CERVICA
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