Traction Splint

Resources Required:

1. Traction Splint
2. Two Rescuers

Note: useful for femur fracture only with no other injuries to the extremity

• Take patient's shoe off; cut away pant leg
• Apply manual traction at/above the knee; pass to partner on 3-count
• Apply ankle strap/brace
• PMS at foot
• Apply manual traction at ankle, then pass to partner
  Note: partner only releases manual traction when all four straps on traction splint are secure
• Walk around (never step over) patient
• Measure opposite leg for traction device
  - From ischial tuberosity (palpate first) to bottom of foot (reaches bottom of kickstand)
• Apply straps above knee, below knee, and above ankle
• Ask partner to raise the extremity
• Open the velcro straps underneath patient's leg (extremity)
• Slide device to ischial tuberosity
• Apply straps
  
  1. Ischial strap
     Apply mechanical ankle traction; pull until client shows signs of relief
  2. Apply other straps
• Take PMS at foot