Traction splint. An EMS relic?
Traction splints have been used in EMS for more than 40 years. However, they were originally designed for the treatment of femoral fractures -- not temporary stabilization. Multisystem trauma and other injuries contraindicate traction splint usage for many femoral fractures. Thus, with the relatively low usage of the traction splint, it may be time to revisit guidelines that require traction splints on every ambulance and rescue vehicle. They may be, in essence, an EMS relic we may want to part with.
bledsoe@earthlink.net
Bryan
B
Bledsoe
Donn
D
Barnes
D000552:Ambulances; D000075202:Contraindications; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D012449:Safety; D013165:Splints; D014143:Traction / Q000295:instrumentation*