By itself, a broken bone rarely threatens a person's life. In the event that you need to move someone with a broken bone, you must splint the area before you can safely move him -- especially for a broken leg. Depending on the materials around you, many items can function as a splint, such as cardboard or tree branches. Whatever you use, the primary objective is always constant: immobilize the broken bone.
Instructions
1. Dial 911, if possible, to have help sent while you make the splint.
2. Examine the broken area. If there is additional injury, the procedure may not be as straightforward. If the bone breaks in such a way that it can't support the splint at its current angle, very carefully straighten the bone until it can support the splint.
3. Obtain a pair of straight materials you can use to create the makeshift splint. Depending on your surroundings, you might use branches, brooms, wooden boards or cardboard. If the material is sturdy and can keep the bone perfectly straight, you can use it as a splint. For a broken leg, use materials at that measure 5 cm in diameter or greater.
4. Measure the splint. For a broken leg, one splint should measure 20 cm from the armpit past the broken bone, and the other splint should measure 20 cm from the groin past the broken bone. Ideally, the two splints will reach equidistant beyond the broken bone, alleviating pressure and maintaining a sturdy grip.
5. Pad the splints. Use any padding that will keep the broken bone from roughly coming into contact with the splints, such as blankets.
6. Place the splint around the broken bone so that the padding rests on the inside. Avoid moving the bone and have your patient motionless throughout the process. Place the short splint between the two legs, reaching from the foot to the groin.
7. Secure the splints' position on the leg. Use any material you can easily fasten around the splints, such as bandage, rope, vines or cloth. Tie it in as many different places as you can while ensuring they are a safe distance away from the broken bone. Avoid fastening too tightly, or you may affect blood circulation.
8. Apply additional padding in any gaps to fully secure the splints.
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