c. Apply Padding. Place padding on the inside of the rigid objects.
d. Position the Rigid Objects. Place one padded rigid object on the inside of
the injured leg and the other on the outside. Do not attempt to straighten the knee. If
the casualty is able, you can have him hold the rigid objects in place while you secure
them.
e. Secure the Rigid Objects and Check Circulation. Wrap the cravats (or
other securing materials) around the rigid objects so they immobilize the limb. Three
cravats should be applied: above the knee, below the knee, and at the ankle. Tie the
tails of each cravat in a non-slip knot on the outer rigid object. The cravats should be
tight enough to hold the rigid objects securely in place, but not tight enough to interfere
with blood circulation. (You should be able to slip one finger beneath the knot.) Check
the casualty's pulse after each cravat is tied. If the cravat interferes with the casualty's
circulation, loosen the cravat and apply it again.
(1)
Secure the cravat above the knee.
(2)
Secure the cravat below the knee.
(3) Secure the cravat under the ankle. Cup the heel in the cravat, bring the
cravat up the outside of the splints, cross the tails over the boot, bring the tails down
below the sole of the boot, cross the tails, bring the tails back to the top of the boot, and
tie the tails in a non-slip knot at the instep.
f. Cradle Knee. Apply a fourth cravat to cradle the knee. The knee will
protrude above the rigid objects.
(1)
Insert one end of the cravat between the outer rigid object and the knee.
(2)
Bring the end under the knee and between the knee and the inner rigid
object.
(3)
Bring both ends straight up for measurement.
(4)
Adjust the cravat so the outer tail is about 6 inches longer than the inner
tail.
(5) Bring each tail over the top of its rigid object, down, under the knee, and
up the other rigid object.
(6)
Bring the inside tail across to the outside of the outer rigid object.
(7)
Tie the tails together in a non-slip knot on the outer rigid object.
MD0533
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