Limb Injuries (Part 3): Immobilization

Fractures, sprains, dislocations, bruises, and torn or strained ligaments – these are all common and unfortunately serious limb injuries, especially when they happen in remote locations where medical help is not immediately available.

In our previous articles on stable and unstable injuries, we discussed why it's not advisable to attempt a precise diagnosis in the field and why it's better to focus on the severity of the injury and the availability of medical care.

If you find yourself in a situation where help won't arrive within minutes – for example, in the mountains or far from civilization – you’ll need to immobilize the injured limb and prepare the person for transport.

In this article, we’ll show you how to create an improvised splint in the field. The next part of the series will focus on transportation itself.

When Limb Immobilization Is Necessary – And When to Skip It

Immobilization is essential in cases of serious limb injuries. These are classified as unstable injuries – meaning the limb cannot bear weight, has restricted movement, or shows signs of impaired nerve function or blood flow.

What a Proper Improvised Splint Should Look Like

Creating a splint that allows you to transport the injured person to safety is no small feat. For the splint to work effectively, it must meet several important criteria:

SAM Splint – a moldable foam splint used in first aid to immobilize injured limbs. Easy to pack into a backpack and quickly shaped to fit the situation in the field.

What to Use for a Splint: Supplies on Hand and Resources Around You

You can use items from a first aid kit – such as a SAM splint or a triangular bandage – or improvise with materials and gear you have with you or can find nearby.

🟠 Items That Can Be Used for an Improvised Splint:

✅ Sleeping pad (even inflatable)

✅ Trekking poles

✅ Emergency (isothermal) blanket

✅ Detachable hip belt from a backpack (for pelvic fractures – handle the injured person with extreme care and only if absolutely necessary!)

✅ Branches

✅ Flat slings

✅ Bandages, cloth (even clothing or torn fabric)

✅ Athletic tape

✅ For reinforcement: duct tape, paracord...

…and more.

After Applying the Splint: What to Monitor and Check

You've built a great splint? Excellent! But your job isn’t done yet. Even with the splint in place and during transport, make sure to:

🟡 Monitor the injured person’s level of consciousness

🟡 Check their fingers or toes regularly

🟡 Maintain their thermal comfort

Examples of Improvised Splints