LESSON 5
5-1.
IMMOBILIZE AN ARM WITH A WIRE LADDER SPLINT
A wire ladder splint can be used to immobilize a fracture of the forearm, a
fracture of the humerus, a fracture of the elbow when the elbow is bent, or an arm with
a. Prepare Wire Ladder Splint.
(1) Bend the prong ends of the splint away from the smooth side. About 1.5
inches should be bent.
(2) Place the smooth side of the splint against the casualty's uninjured arm
with the bent end even with the top of the uninjured shoulder.
(3)
Select a point slightly below the casualty's uninjured elbow.
(4) Remove the splint from the casualty's arm and bend the splint into an "L"
shape at the selected point. The smooth side of the splint should be on the inside of the
"L" and the bent prong should be on the outside.
(5) Pad the splint by wrapping a roller bandage around it (see figure 5-1) or
by applying leaves, material, or other padding on the inside of the splint. If padding
materials are not available, apply the splint without padding.
Figure 5-1. Padding a wire ladder splint with a roller bandage.
MD0533
5-2