d. Stabilize the Injured Leg. Check for a pulse distal to the injury. Then grip
the casualty's ankle and foot as shown in figure 3-1. Apply sufficient traction to stabilize
the leg to prevent movement at the site of the fracture.
Figure 3-1. Positioning the ankle hitch of a Hare splint.
e. Adjust Splint. Have the assistant adjust the telescoping splint to the right
length and lock the rod in place using the following steps.
(1) Loosen the locking devices on the two metal rods of the splint so the
bottom of the splint is free to slide.
(2) Lay the splint parallel to the casualty's uninjured leg with the top of the
splint even with the bottom of the casualty's buttocks (at the ischium).
(3) Pull on the lower part of the splint until the bottom of the splint is 8 to 12
inches beyond the bottom of the casualty's foot. Keep the top of the splint even with the
ischium (the lower bone of the pelvis).
(4)
Lock the splint in position.
(5) Test the splint to make sure the lower part of the splint is securely locked
and will not slip.
(6) Position the splint next to the injured leg with the top of the splint even
with the ischium on the casualty's injured side.
MD0533
3-3