How to Make a Stuff Sack Neck Splint for First Aid

When preparing an evacuation by litter, it is crucial to keep the head and neck of the injured person immobilized. This simple device can help a lot towards that goal.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Get a medium to large-sized stuff sack, at least 10 inches long.
2. Stuff clothing or other soft material tightly into the sack, filling up about 1/4 of the sack.
3. Slide the flat part of the sack under the head until it is under the neck, nestling the stuffed part of the sack against one side of the neck. Be careful not to move the head or neck at all throughout the process.
4. Stuff the other side of the sack with clothing or other soft material; the middle of the sack - the part under the neck - remains unstuffed.
5. Pull the sack's drawstring to close it.
6. Proceed with the process of securing the injured person to the litter (see "How to Secure an Injured Person Onto a Litter").

Tips & Warnings

• See "How to Secure an Injured Person Onto a Litter" and "How to Carry an Injured Person on a Litter."
• Contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross for information on first-aid classes near you.
• Contact the Wilderness Medicine Institute or the National Outdoor Leadership School for information on wilderness medicine courses and books.
• Keep one rescuer at the head at all times, holding the neck immobile, one hand on each side of the head, with gentle but firm pressure - even after the splint is in place.
• Only consider a litter evacuation as a last resort, unless sufficiently trained rescuers are with you.
• Take time to plan your evacuation carefully before embarking: consider the route, the weather, how much daylight is left, and make sure you have maps accessible.
• The litter you use must be extremely firm and not subject to bending.
• This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.