EAC Immobilisation and Support & equipment Flashcards
principle purpose of splinting and immobilisation
Steady Limbs
Easing pain
Reducing risk of further damage
When to apply traction to a limb
when:
Deformities would be aggravated by a long or rough journey
Circulation is impaired
Pressure is being applied to a nerve
Skin is stretched so tight there is possibility of an open fracture developing
Benefits of applying traction
Ease pain Restore circulation Prevent risk of damage to nerves and blood vessels steady limb Helps stem bleeding Overcomes thigh muscle spasm
Principles of splinting:
Always assume a fracture
Treat fractures before moving
Support and immobilise affected part
Avoid direct pressure to fracture site
Check bandaging for tightness
Immobilise both sides of fracture, above and below site.
Pad rigid splints
Ensure pt comfort, raise fracture area (reduces swelling)
Remove jewellery before swelling occurs
ALWAYS check for nerve and circulation impairment above and below fracture.
Immobilisation and support:
Time Critical?
Before commencing immobilisation, the patient must be assessed as time critical or non-time critical
if time critical:
secure long bone fractures to an ortho/long board using straps.
If traction required apply splint rapidly or manual traction.
Load and go
Pre-alert to appropriate hospital
Immobilisation and support:
Amputation
Not usually splinted Dressing applied to stump Remove gross contamination Place part in sealed bag, put bag on ice pre-alert to suitable hospital
Immobilisation and support:
Partial Amputation
Immobilise limb using splint or longboard
Normal anatomical alignment
Cover with dressings
pre-alert to suitable hospital
Immobilisation and support:
Non time critical Upper limbs
Patient self splinting
Fracture to clavicle and arms: triangular sling
Consider box and vacuum splints
Immobilisation and support:
Non time critical Lower limbs
Box splints fractured ankle, tibia and knee area
Traction splints, femoral shaft fracture
Vacuum splints for non correctable deformity
Routine Extraction
No immediate risk to life
If trapped consider HEMS/BASICS
K.E.D
Long Board
Pre-hospital alert
Urgent Extraction
A risk to life
Access may be limited
Use long board for smooth extrication through rear of vehicle if possible
Pre-alert hospital
Emergency Extraction
An immediate major risk to life E.G. vehicle fire, serious airway or breathing problem
Manual immobilisation
Turn the Pt
Extricate on spinal board through the side of the vehicle
Pre-alert hospital
Immobilisation and support equipment
Triangular bandages Pelvic splint Padding Box splints Blankets Vacuum splint Traction splint Universal Head Immobiliser Frac' Straps Orthopaedic stretcher K.E.D.
correcting deformities
Realign fracture into more normal alignment particularly:
If it is very severe
Evidence of restricted circulation
Consider Entonox
Be careful not to cause further damage
post immobilisation checks:
control of haemorrhage Any paralysis or numbness Skin colour, temp Distal pulse Tension of bandaging
