Figure 3-2. Ankle hitch applied to the casualty.
i. Apply Manual Traction. Have the assistant position himself at the casualty's
injured thigh and gently support the thigh above and below the fracture site. Apply
increased gentle, longitudinal manual traction to the casualty's limb. In unison with the
assistant, lift the casualty's injured leg so the splint can be slipped beneath the leg (see
figure 3-3).
NOTE:
Traction and lift can be applied by leaning back. Apply only enough traction
to align the limb to fit into the splint. Do not try to align the fracture fragments
anatomically. Once you have applied increased traction, maintain the traction
until the splint is in place and providing the traction.
Figure 3-3. Applying manual traction and lifting the leg.
MD0533
3-5