Vacuum splint: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 18:21, 15 March 2023

Background

Temporary splint device used primarily in prehospital setting.

Indications

Suspected extremity fracture

Contraindications

Procedure

Vacuum splint being applied to the leg of an injured skier.

Application

Assess distal pulse, motor function, and sensation in affected extremity.
Hold splint in place around extremity in position of comfort.
- Ensure that the side with intake valve is facing away from skin.
Apply suction device and remove air.
Seal intake valve and remove suction device.
Secure splint in place with attached straps.
Reassess distal pulse, motor function, and sensation.

Removal

Open intake valve
Disconnect straps
Note: DO NOT cut splint itself (will release contents - polystyrene beads)

References

Authors:

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ==Background==
-*Primarily used in prehospital setting by EMT's, Paramedics, etc as a temporary splinting device.
+*Temporary splint device used primarily in prehospital setting.
-*One of several options including cardboard splints, SAM splint, etc.
 ==Indications==
-*Suspected extremity fractures
+*Suspected extremity fracture
 ==Contraindications==
@@ Line 10: / Line 9: @@
 ==Procedure==
+[[File:Vakuumschiene01.jpg|thumb|Vacuum splint being applied to the leg of an injured skier.]]
 ===Application===
-*Hold in place around extremity in position of comfort
+*Assess distal pulse, motor function, and sensation in affected extremity.
-*Assess that pulse is present below where the device will be applied
+*Hold splint in place around extremity in position of comfort.
-*Ensure that the intake valve is facing away from the patient
+**Ensure that the side with intake valve is facing away from skin.
-*Attach manual suction to port and suction out all air
+*Apply suction device and remove air.
-**Some manufacturers make port compatible with impact suction devices
+*Seal intake valve and remove suction device.
-*Adjust as needed
+*Secure splint in place with attached straps.
-*When all air is suctioned out, use the straps on device to secure in place
+*Reassess distal pulse, motor function, and sensation.
-**Use triangle bandages to secure further if needed
-*Asses pulse below the splint, continue every 10 mins
 ===Removal===
-*Disconnect straps to remove
+*Open intake valve
-**DO NOT cut splint itself (will release contents - polystyrene beads)
+*Disconnect straps
+*Note: DO NOT cut splint itself (will release contents - polystyrene beads)
 ==See also==