Traction splints are used for reducing and immobilizing long bone fractures of the femur. A splint is a piece of medical

                                                                     equipment used to keep an injured body part from moving and to protect it from any further damage.

                                                                     A splint is often used to stabilize a broken bone while the injured person is taken to the hospital for more advanced

                                                                     treatment. It also could be length adjusted, for a much more practical packed length and shorter patient package for

                                                                     moving. It can also be used if you have a severe strain or sprain in one of your limbs. Placed properly, a splint will help

                                                                     ease the pain of an injury by making sure that the wounded area does not move.

                                                                     If you or a loved one is injured at home or during an activity, such as hiking, you can create a temporary splint from

                                                                     materials around you.

                                                                     So you’re out in the wilderness, enjoying the fresh air and leaving civilization far behind, when suddenly your friend slips

                                                                     and—crack! Maybe he falls onto his outstretched hand, or she lands on her leg. Either way, you have a bad feeling a

                                                                     bone might be broken. Your friend is in a lot of pain, and you’re far from anyone who might help you.

                                                                     For any injury, the first thing you must do is figure out is how quickly you need help and whether you can reach it yourself.

                                                                     Ideally, you’ll be able to call for aid on your mobile or satellite phone, radio, or GPS tracker if it has a built-in emergency

                                                                     signal. When you call for help, be concise and direct. But it can be difficult to gauge how seriously someone has been hurt.

                                                                     Injuries to the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis are especially tricky.

                                                                     As you prepare to traction splint the injury, it’s better if the injured person keeps their shirt or pants on. Removing their

                                                                     clothes could jostle the broken bone more and leave them less protected from the elements. You should splint the broken

                                                                     arm or leg in its normal position. Putting a splint on a broken bone keeps it from moving around and prevents further injury

                                                                     to the muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. It also can quickly and sharply reduce a person’s pain. Your splint should be

                                                                     rigid, well padded, and long enough to immobilize the joints above and below the fracture.

                                                                     Make sure the splint is well padded with gauze, clothing, or whatever else is on hand. When splinting an injury, make sure

                                                                     that you do not tie the splint too tight.