The Role of Splinting in Emergency Care: What Healthcare Professionals Need to Know

In emergency care, swift and effective intervention can be the key to preventing further harm and improving recovery outcomes. Among the essential skills for healthcare professionals is the ability to assess and apply splints. Whether treating fractures, dislocations, or soft tissue injuries, splinting plays a crucial role in immobilising the affected area, reducing pain, and preventing additional damage. The Splinting, Immobilisation & Fracture Management Course and the Wound Management Pathway offered by Benchmarque Group equip healthcare providers with the knowledge and practical skills needed to perform this critical task.

In this blog, we’ll explore the role of splinting in emergency care, the importance of proper training, and how healthcare professionals can benefit from undertaking a specialised splinting course and a broader injury management course.

Why Splinting Matters in Emergency Care

Splinting is the process of immobilising an injured limb or joint to prevent movement and provide stability. It is a crucial first step in managing musculoskeletal injuries, such as fractures, severe sprains, and dislocations. By immobilising the injured area, splinting not only reduces pain but also helps prevent further damage to bones, soft tissue, and blood vessels.

In emergency settings, effective splinting serves several vital functions:

• Stabilising the injury: This reduces the risk of complications and helps ensure that further damage does not occur during transportation or while awaiting definitive care.
• Minimising pain and discomfort: Movement of an injured limb can intensify pain. A well-applied splint restricts movement, providing much-needed relief.
• Preventing further tissue damage: In severe fractures or dislocations, the bones or joints may put pressure on surrounding tissues, nerves, or blood vessels. Immobilising the area reduces this risk.

Common scenarios requiring splinting include:

• Fractures of the arms, legs, or fingers
• Joint dislocations
• Severe ligament or tendon injuries
• Soft tissue damage where immobilisation is necessary to promote healing

Splinting can be the difference between a simple injury recovery and long-term complications, which is why healthcare professionals must be trained to apply splints correctly.

Types of Splints Used in Emergency Care

Different injuries call for different types of splints, and healthcare professionals must be familiar with these options. The Splinting, Immobilisation & Fracture Management Course covers the variety of splints used in emergency care, helping professionals select and apply the most appropriate option for each situation.

Here are some commonly used splints:

1. Rigid Splints: These are made from firm materials such as wood, plastic, or metal and are ideal for fractures where the bones need to remain completely immobilised.
2. Soft Splints: Typically made from padded or flexible materials, soft splints are used for less severe injuries or for immobilising injuries in areas where rigid splints would be uncomfortable.
3. Vacuum Splints: These splints use negative pressure to conform to the shape of the injured limb. They provide excellent support and are commonly used in emergency settings due to their adaptability.
4. Traction Splints: Primarily used for fractures of the femur, these splints apply continuous tension to realign the broken bone and reduce pain, making them critical in managing severe leg fractures.

Each type of splint has its own set of advantages, and the splinting course ensures that participants are confident in their ability to choose and apply the right splint for the injury at hand.

The Role of Healthcare Professionals in Injury Management

For healthcare professionals, being able to manage injuries efficiently and effectively is essential. This requires not only technical knowledge of how to apply a splint but also an understanding of when to use it and how to assess injuries. The Splinting, Immobilisation & Fracture Management Course focuses on providing healthcare providers with hands-on experience in identifying, treating, and stabilising injuries using splints.

In addition to splinting, healthcare professionals benefit from a broader perspective on injury care, which is why participating in an injury management course like the Wound Management Pathway is crucial. This course covers a comprehensive range of injury management strategies, including wound care, which often accompanies trauma cases. Integrating wound management with splinting skills helps healthcare providers deliver holistic, patient-centered care.

How to Properly Apply a Splint

The success of splinting depends on the correct application. Misapplication of a splint can lead to poor stabilisation, impaired circulation, or even worsening of the injury. Following the proper steps, which are taught in the splinting course, ensures optimal patient outcomes.

Here is a general guide to effective splinting:

1. Assess the Injury: Perform an initial evaluation to determine the type and severity of the injury. Look for deformities, swelling, and any signs of an open fracture.
2. Control Bleeding: If the injury is accompanied by bleeding, stop the bleeding first by applying pressure and dressing before proceeding with the splint.
3. Align the Limb: If necessary and safe, gently realign the limb to a neutral position before applying the splint. Avoid excessive force to prevent further damage.
4. Pad the Splint: Use padding to ensure comfort and avoid causing skin abrasions or pressure sores.
5. Immobilise the Joint Above and Below: A well-applied splint should immobilize the joint above and below the injury to prevent unnecessary movement.
6. Secure the Splint: Use bandages or tape to secure the splint in place, ensuring it is snug but not so tight as to restrict circulation.
7. Check for Circulation: After applying the splint, check the injured limb for signs of impaired circulation, such as changes in skin colour, temperature, or numbness.

Proper training through a splinting course is vital to mastering these steps and ensuring the splint is applied safely and effectively.

Ongoing Training for Injury Management

As with any medical procedure, staying updated on the latest techniques and best practices is crucial for healthcare professionals. The Splinting, Immobilisation & Fracture Management Course offers practical, hands-on training that allows participants to stay current with the latest developments in splinting techniques. Meanwhile, the Wound Management Pathway provides a broader understanding of injury care, including wound healing, infection control, and advanced injury management strategies.

Splinting plays a fundamental role in emergency care, providing the necessary support to stabilise injuries and prevent further complications. Healthcare professionals who undertake a splinting course like the Splinting, Immobilisation & Fracture Management Course can ensure they are prepared to apply splints safely and effectively. Additionally, the Wound Management Pathway provides a comprehensive approach to injury care, equipping professionals with the skills to manage a range of trauma scenarios.

By combining these two courses, healthcare providers will be well-equipped to handle both the immediate needs of injury stabilisation and the ongoing management of related conditions, ensuring better outcomes for their patients.