Mountaineering First Aid by Jan D. Carline & Martha J. Lentz & Steven C. Macdonald

Author:Jan D. Carline & Martha J. Lentz & Steven C. Macdonald
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The Mountaineers Books
Published: 2004-03-17T05:00:00+00:00

Mid-Shaft Fracture of the Lower Leg: rigid splint for a lower leg injury.

1. Prepare materials: rigid splint that extends from above the knee to the ankle, padding for the splint, dressing of appropriate size if a wound is present, padding material to place between the legs, four cravats.

2. Check the pulse in the foot. While one first aider supports the leg from above the ankle, a second first aider removes the boot or shoe. It is critical to have access to the toes to check circulation. A boot on the foot is necessary only if the patient intends to walk on it. A down bootie and/or several pairs of socks can be used for protection. It is possible to cut an inspection hole in the tip of the socks and then cover the toes with another sock. In this way only one sock needs to be removed to check circulation.

3. Support the foot and leg. A first aider grasps the ankle and exerts a gentle, steady pull on the leg to stabilize the foot. Maintain the pressure until the splint has been completely tied on.

4. Place and secure a dressing on the wound if necessary.

5. Place four 2-inch-wide cravats underneath the broken leg, using the space under the knee or ankle for access to place the cravats. Cravats are placed at the knee, the ankle, and 2 inches above and below the break.

6. Place the padded rigid splint next to the outer side of the fractured leg (not between legs). Add padding to fill in spaces between the rigid splint and the leg.

7. Secure the splint with the two cravats to either side of the fracture. Tie the knots over the splint. Tie the cravats at the knee and the ankle.

8. Adjust the cravats so that the splint is snug but not tight.

9. If using an ice ax, the adz end should be at the foot with the adz at the heel and the pick at the toes. The ball of the foot may be tied to the pick to support the foot at a right angle to the leg.

10. Have the patient flex his or her toes toward the head. If the patient is unable to move his or her toes or the movement causes severe pain, then the cravats are tied too tightly.

11. Check the pulse at the ankle or check for capillary refill in the toes. Adjust cravats as needed. Additional cravats may be used to tie the legs together.

Ankle Fracture: “pillow” splint. This soft splint allows protection of the injured area with a maximum of comfort.

1. Prepare materials: blanket or bulky jacket, three cravats or triangular bandages.

2. Gently remove the shoe or boot. One first aider supports the ankle from above the injury while a second first aider removes the shoe.

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