How to Splint a Fracture of the Upper Arm

Splinting a fracture is important in reducing pain and for speeding healing.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Assess for fracture (see "How to Assess for Fracture During First Aid").

2. Immobilize the injured arm. Any movement will be very painful and can worsen the injury.

3. Get some rigid material long enough to extend at least from the shoulder to the elbow. One possibility is to cut an ensolite sleeping pad to the right length and then fold it over to increase rigidity.

4. Gather materials to tie the splint into place. Any of the following will do: pack straps, rope, clothing, belts, bandannas, triangular bandages.

5. Flex the injured arm so that the forearm is at a 90-degree angle to the upper arm. Do this gently to minimize movement.

6. Put a wad of clothing, or some other soft material, into the injured person's hand to maintain it in position of function.

7. Place the splinting material along the upper arm, so that it extends below the elbow and above the shoulder.

8. Tie the splinting material into place below and above the fracture.

9. Place padding in any empty spaces between the splint and the arm.

10. Check circulation, sensation and motion beyond the fracture site, to make sure the splint isn't too tight.

11. Put the injured arm in a sling (see "How to Make a Sling for an Injured Arm").

12. Continue with further treatment for the fracture (see eHows on treating fractures).

Tips & Warnings

• You can also use tent poles, trekking poles, ice axes, or pack frames for splinting. Just be sure to put a lot of padding between the splint and the arm.
• Contact the Wilderness Medicine Institute or the National Outdoor Leadership School for information on wilderness medicine courses and books.
• Don't tie the splint on too tight. This could impede circulation.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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