NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamTraumaMedium
A 35-year-old male was involved in a motor vehicle collision. He complains of severe pain and deformity to his right thigh. Upon assessment, you note significant swelling and angulation. Which of the following devices is MOST appropriate for immobilizing this injury?
- AAir splint
- BTraction splint
- CRigid splint
- DSling and swathe
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Traction splint
A traction splint is specifically designed for isolated mid-shaft femur fractures. The traction helps to reduce muscle spasm, pain, and further injury by pulling distally to align the bone fragments.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Air splints are used for lower arm and leg injuries, not typically for large bone fractures like the femur.
- C. Rigid splints can be used for many fractures but are not as effective as traction splints for femur fractures.
- D. A sling and swathe is used for upper extremity injuries, not lower extremity fractures like the thigh.
Traction Splint Indication
A device used to immobilize and apply continuous traction to isolated mid-shaft femur fractures, reducing pain, muscle spasm, and further injury.
- Primarily for isolated mid-shaft femur fractures.
- Contraindicated if fracture extends into knee or hip, or if there are other lower leg injuries.
- Reduces muscle spasm and pain.
Memory trick: Splinting: Keep it Still, Reduce the Thrill!