Bone, Muscle & Joint Injuries – Part 3: Splinting
- Jason T
- 11 hours ago
- 3 min read
Bone, Muscle & Joint Injuries – Part 3: Splinting
For First-Year Nursing Students
Heart & Stroke Foundation Standard First Aid | CSA Intermediate CPR-C & AED
In our previous lessons on bone, muscle, and joint injuries, we focused on how to recognize these injuries through signs and symptoms. Now, let’s move forward with the next critical step in First Aid: How to manage and splint an injury safely while awaiting emergency medical services.
As future nurses, your ability to improvise effective immobilization could be the difference between worsening a fracture or safely stabilizing a patient. However, always remember: movement isn't always necessary or helpful. If help is nearby, stabilize and wait.
What is a Splint?
A splint is a supportive device used to immobilize an injured limb or joint. It’s often used to minimize pain, prevent further injury, and maintain proper alignment until professional care is available.
Types of Splints:
Soft Splints: Blankets, towels, pillows, or bandages.
Hard Splints: Cardboard, wooden boards, tree branches, or rolled newspapers.
Anatomical Splints: Using an uninjured body part (e.g., securing an injured leg to the other leg).
Slings: Used for upper limb injuries—supporting the arm with a strap around the neck.
🛠️ How to Apply a Splint (CSA-Compliant):
Choose the right splint based on availability and comfort. Your goal is minimal movement with maximum support above and below the injury.
Check circulation before and after applying the splint. Assess skin color, temperature, and capillary refill below the injury.
🔹 If cold before splinting: Seek immediate help.
🔹 If cold after splinting: Loosen gently.
Splint in the position found. Never straighten or manipulate the limb. Movement may cause additional nerve, muscle, or vascular damage.
Secure above and below the injury using bandages, belts, or available materials. Reassess circulation regularly.
🚑 Responding to Bone, Muscle, and Joint Injuries (First Aid
Nursing Protocol):
Ensure Scene Safety, then check for responsiveness. Assess the patient’s Airway, Breathing, and Circulation (ABCs). Use gloves if bodily fluids are present.
Call 911 immediately if:
You’re alone.
There's a suspected head, neck, or spinal injury.
The environment is hazardous (e.g., vehicle collision, fire).
There are life-threatening conditions.
🔸 If EMS is expected soon: Avoid unnecessary movement. Do not splint unless required for safety or transport.
Treat the injury:
Follow the R.I.C.E. method: Rest – Immobilize – Cold – Elevate
Apply cold packs (wrapped in cloth) for 20 minutes per hour for the first 24–48 hours to reduce swelling.
Elevate the injured limb above heart level when possible—but comfort comes first.
🧠 Key Nursing Reminders:
Your safety comes first.
Never attempt to reposition bones or joints.
Splint only when necessary—especially if transport is delayed or unsafe.
Learn to Save Lives with Confidence
Whether you're preparing for clinicals or just starting your nursing journey, Standard First Aid CPR-C & AED training equips you with hands-on skills and evidence-based knowledge to respond effectively to emergencies.
This educational content aligns with guidelines from the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Alberta Health Services, and Canadian Red Cross. It is not a substitute for certified medical training. Always consult an instructor or physician when in doubt.
📍 Training for First-Year Nursing Students
Join Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd. for fully certified, CSA-compliant Standard First Aid CPR-C & AED courses—designed for Alberta’s future healthcare professionals.
Just Remember:
Protect Yourself. Call 911.Don’t Waste Time.
RESOURCES:
Author - Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd
Jason T
Retired EMT - Heart & Stroke Foundation Senior Instructor