(2) The rigid splint can also be secured with a roller bandage as shown in
figure 4-12C. Check the casualty's pulse as the rigid splint is being secured. If a pulse
could be felt before but is no longer present, remove the bandage and apply it again.
Figure 4-12. Wire ladder splint (three pieces) applied to a fractured ankle.
4-8.
IMMOBILIZE A FRACTURED OR DISLOCATED ANKLE USING A SAM
SPLINT
The universal splint, called the SAM splint, can be used as the rigid object in
splinting a fractured or dislocated ankle. The SAM splint is a piece of flat aluminum
about 36 inches long and about 4.5 inches wide completely covered by foam that
serves as padding for the splint. The SAM splint is lightweight (less than 7 ounces).
The splint is rolled up for easy storing (see figure 4-13A) and can be reused.
a. Unroll the SAM splint and flatten it.
b. Fold the SAM splint in half so it is a tall "V" shape.
MD0533
4-16