4-6.
IMMOBILIZE A FRACTURED OR DISLOCATED ANKLE (TWO WIRE LADDER
SPLINTS)
A wire ladder splint (see figure 4-10) is made from steel. It is about 31 inches
long and about 3.5 inches wide. It contains 48 crosspieces and weighs about a half
pound. The wire ladder splint can be bent to conform to the shape of the injured limb.
The following paragraphs give instructions for applying two wire ladder splints to a
fractured or dislocated ankle. The splints can also be used for a fractured foot.
Figure 4-10. Wire ladder splint.
a. Position Casualty. The casualty may be either sitting up or lying down.
b. Expose Injury. Cut the boot laces on the injured foot. Then cut the boot
tongue on the outside edge from top to bottom all the way down.
c. Check Pulse. Check the casualty's pulse along the top of the foot. If a pulse
is absent, the casualty should be evacuated as soon as the splint is applied.
d. Form Rigid Splint.
(1) Bend the prongs (sharp ends) of the two splints away from the flat side
of the wire ladder splint.
(2) Bend one splint into an "L" shape so that the flat surface is on the inside
and the bottom of the "L" fits the length of the casualty's boot. Bend the longer (top)
end of the "L" back onto itself so it is even with the top of the casualty's boot. Use the
casualty's uninjured foot for measurement.
(3) Bend the other splint into a "U" shape with a flattened bottom so the
bottom of the soldier's boot fits the bottom of the splint and the ends of the "U" will go up
the sides of his boots. Use the uninjured foot for measurement.
(4) Joint the L-shaped splint and the U-shaped splints together by fitting the
U-shaped splint around the L-shaped splint to form a cradle and protective case for the
injured ankle.
e. Apply Rigid Splint.
(1)
Gently lift the casualty's foot, ankle, and lower leg.
MD0533
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