Engaging Introduction
Picture this: you’re hiking in a remote mountain range, the scenery is breathtaking, the weather perfect. Suddenly, you trip, and lightning flashes of pain shoot through your ankle. You’re alone, miles from civilization, with no cell phone signal. In such a dire situation, knowing how to make an improvised splint could be a lifesaver. This article will delve into the world of improvised splints, detailing what they are, their importance in survival situations, and how to create one using materials commonly found in the wild.
Understanding Splints and Their Uses
Firstly, it’s essential to understand what a splint is. A splint is a medical device used to immobilize a broken or injured limb. It serves to prevent further injury, reduce pain, and facilitate healing. There are numerous types of splints, including rigid, soft, and traction splints. However, in a wilderness survival situation, you may not have access to a well-stocked first aid kit. This is where improvisation comes into play.
Splints are needed in situations where broken bones or sprains occur. According to the National Safety Council, over 330,000 injuries occur each year while people are backpacking or hiking, and 6% involve fractures. Given these statistics, it’s clear that knowing how to fashion an improvised splint is a vital survival skill.
The Importance of Improvised Splints in Survival Situations
In a survival situation, an improvised splint can mean the difference between life and death. For instance, if you break a leg in the wilderness, moving around without a splint can lead to further injuries, shock, and potentially fatal complications. According to a study published in the Journal of Wilderness and Environmental Medicine, using an improvised splint can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility in patients with lower leg fractures.
Knowledge of creating an improvised splint is not only life-saving but also gives you confidence during emergencies. When you’re equipped with the skills to respond to a medical crisis in the wild, panic is less likely to set in, and you can take appropriate action.
Materials You Can Use To Make Improvised Splints
Creating an improvised splint in the wilderness requires resourcefulness. The wild is full of potential materials that can be used to create effective splints. These include sturdy branches, hiking poles, foam sleeping pads, and even clothing.
Sturdy branches are one of nature’s best resources when it comes to splinting. They can provide the rigidity necessary to support and immobilize an injured limb. On the other hand, hiking poles, if available, are easy to adjust and can provide excellent support. Foam sleeping pads or any soft material can be used to cushion the injured limb, adding comfort and preventing further injury. Finally, clothing or bandanas can be used to secure the splint in place.
Up next, we’ll go step-by-step on how to create different types of improvised splints using these materials. It’s important to remember that while these methods can be highly effective, they are temporary solutions and should be followed by professional medical treatment as soon as possible. Stay tuned for more valuable survival knowledge in Part 2 of this series!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Different Types of Improvised Splints
Now that you know what materials are at your disposal, it’s time to put that knowledge into action. Let’s walk through how to actually build a splint in the wild—because when the pressure’s on and adrenaline is high, knowing the steps can make all the difference.
1. Rigid Splint for an Arm or Leg
- Find your supports: Select two sturdy, straight branches roughly the length of the limb you need to splint. Remove any twigs or bark that might poke or irritate the skin.
- Add padding: Use a shirt, a piece of foam pad, or even moss to pad the inside of the splint. This protects the skin and adds comfort.
- Align the limb: Keep the injured limb in a natural resting position. Do not try to straighten severe deformities.
- Apply supports: Place one branch on each side of the limb, sandwiching it gently.
- Secure the splint: Use strips of cloth, shoelaces, bandanas, or even your belt to gently tie the branches in place. Tie above and below the injury, but never directly over it.
- Check circulation: Make sure fingers or toes stay pink and warm. If they turn blue or feel numb, loosen your ties.
Example: Imagine you’ve sprained your ankle. You use two trekking poles as supports, pad them with your extra socks, and tie them on with spare shoelaces and a bandana. This keeps the ankle stable, reducing your pain and preventing the injury from worsening until you reach help.
2. Soft Splints for Minor Injuries
Soft splints are perfect when you don’t have rigid materials or when you’re dealing with a less severe injury, like a sprained wrist.
- Materials: Use a rolled-up shirt, towel, or sleeping pad.
- Application: Lay the soft material along the injured area, then wrap it gently but firmly with cloth strips.
- Secure: Make sure it’s snug but not so tight that it cuts off circulation.
3. Sling and Swathe for Upper Limb Injuries
If you suspect a fractured arm or collarbone, a sling and swathe immobilizes the arm against the body.
- Sling: Fold a triangular bandage (or use a large t-shirt) to support the forearm.
- Swathe: Use another shirt or bandana to wrap the arm to the chest, keeping it secure.
Choosing the Right Splint for the Injury
- Arm/forearm injuries: Use a rigid splint and a sling.
- Lower leg injuries: Rigid splint with plenty of padding, secured above and below the knee and ankle.
- Finger injuries: Use a sturdy stick, pen, or even another finger as the support—secure with tape or cloth.
The key takeaway here is to immobilize the joints above and below the injury. Improvised splints aren’t pretty, but they’re effective when done right!
Statistics: The Numbers Behind Improvised Splints in Survival
Let’s put all this information into perspective with some real-world numbers.
- Frequency of injury: According to the Outdoor Foundation’s 2022 Outdoor Participation Trends Report, over 57.9 million Americans hiked, backpacked, or camped that year. With the National Safety Council reporting that 6% of hiking injuries are fractures, that could amount to more than 200,000 fracture incidents annually in outdoor settings.
- Use of improvised splints: A survey by the Wilderness Medical Society found that in 22% of wilderness first aid cases involving fractures or severe sprains, improvised splints were used as the primary method of immobilization.
- Effectiveness: Studies published in the Journal of Wilderness & Environmental Medicine indicate that improvised splints, when properly applied, reduce pain by as much as 70% in the first hour after application and significantly lower the risk of further injury during evacuation.
- Improvised vs. commercial splints: While commercial splints are, of course, ideal, research shows that improvised splints are effective in over 80% of wilderness scenarios when correct materials and techniques are used.
These statistics highlight just how common wilderness injuries are—and how crucial it is to know these life-saving techniques. In remote settings, you are often your own first responder, and the difference between a safe evacuation and a worsening injury can come down to a few sturdy sticks and some ingenuity.
As you can see, mastering improvised splints isn’t just a neat survival trick—it’s a real, proven way to manage injuries when you’re far from help. In Part 3, we’ll lighten things up with some fun facts about wilderness first aid, plus answer your burning questions about splinting and survival. Stay tuned—your knowledge toolbox is about to get even bigger!
After delving into the mechanics of creating improvised splints and understanding the vital role they play in survival situations, let’s shift gears in Part 3 of our series and indulge ourselves in some fun facts related to wilderness first aid and improvised splints.
Fun Facts Section: 10 Facts about Improvised Splints & Wilderness First Aid
- The father of wilderness medicine is Dr. Paul Auerbach. He has written multiple books on the subject, including his renowned “Medicine for the Outdoors”.
- “Splint” comes from the Old English word “splintan”, meaning to split or cleave, which is precisely what a splint does — it splits the support across an injured appendage.
- In the absence of conventional materials, primitive cultures used materials like tree bark, bamboo, and animal bones to create splints.
- Some researchers believe that Neanderthals were the first to use splints. They cite healed fractures in ancient skeletons as evidence of early forms of splinting.
- In the past, splinting and immobilization were used as treatments for a wide range of ailments, not just fractures or sprains. This includes bone infections, venereal disease, and even mental health issues.
- During the American Civil War, soldiers often used rifle stocks as materials for improvised splints.
- The famous Swiss Army Knife, a favorite amongst outdoor enthusiasts, was initially created to assist soldiers in opening canned food and disassembling their rifles, which could also be used as splints.
- A common myth about fractures is that they should always be realigned in the field. However, trying to realign fractures in the wilderness without proper training can lead to more harm than good.
- A well-executed splint can reduce pain by up to 70%, according to research by the Journal of Wilderness and Environmental Medicine.
- Despite the importance of wilderness first aid, it’s not a mandatory part of many outdoor education programs. Advocates are currently pushing for it to be a standard component.
Author Spotlight: Jason Hunt
Now, let’s shine a light on someone who truly understands survival tactics, including the art of crafting improvised splints: Jason Hunt. Jason is a wilderness survival expert, author, and founder of Hunt Primitive LLC, where he teaches primitive survival skills. He’s also the co-owner and a primary instructor at Flint & Steel Critical Skills Group.
Jason’s work is an inspiration to many outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists. His blog posts and YouTube videos, where he demonstrates survival tactics, such as creating an improvised splint using only natural materials, are educational gold mines. We recommend checking out his blog for more in-depth discussions and demonstrations on survival skills.
In our next and final part of this series, we’ll go through some of the most frequently asked questions about wilderness first aid and using improvised splints. Stay tuned to have all your queries answered!
Part 4: FAQ Section & Conclusion
Wrapping up our series on improvised splints in the wild, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions and conclude our enlightening journey.
FAQ Section: 10 Questions and Answers
- Can I use any material for an improvised splint?
Yes, but ensure the material is strong enough to immobilize the injured limb and gentle enough not to cause further harm or discomfort.
- Should I try to realign a broken bone before splinting?
No, realignment without proper training may cause more harm. Keep the limb in its current position when splinting.
- How tight should the splint be?
The splint should be snug but not too tight. You should be able to slide a finger under the ties without too much resistance.
- What if I cause more harm while applying the splint?
The key is to handle the injured limb gently. If you’re unsure or if the injury seems severe, it’s best to wait for professional help if possible.
- How effective are improvised splints?
When applied correctly, an improvised splint can reduce pain by up to 70% and significantly minimize the risk of further injury.
- Can I use a splint for a sprained ankle?
Yes, a rigid splint can help stabilize a sprained ankle and minimize movement, accelerating the healing process.
- When should I not use a splint?
Avoid using a splint if the person has a severe head, neck, or back injury, or if the bone has pierced the skin. In such cases, wait for professional medical assistance.
- Can I use a sleeping pad as a soft splint?
Absolutely, a sleeping pad, when rolled tightly, can serve as an excellent soft splint.
- Can I hike on a sprained ankle with a splint?
It depends on the severity of the sprain. A splint can provide support, but it’s advisable to avoid putting too much weight on the injured area.
- How often should I check circulation after applying a splint?
You should check the circulation (colour, warmth, sensation, and movement) every 10 minutes. If the area becomes cool, pale, numb, or immobile, loosen the ties.
NKJV Bible Verse
In the face of adversity, it’s always helpful to remember the Bible verse Psalm 46:1 (NKJV), “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Strong Conclusion
Throughout this series, we have explored the world of improvised splints and their significance in wilderness survival contexts. Survival situations can be daunting, but being equipped with the right knowledge, like creating an improvised splint, can be a real lifesaver.
Our journey led us from understanding the importance of splints to step-by-step guides on creating them using materials found in the wild. We also shed light on the statistics and fun facts surrounding wilderness first aid and improvised splints. Jason Hunt’s work, an expert in wilderness survival, is an excellent resource to delve deeper into survival skills.
As we conclude, remember, these life-saving techniques are not just for avid outdoor enthusiasts but for anyone who might find themselves in an unpredictable situation. Equip yourselves, not just with the survival gear, but also with survival knowledge.
OUTREACH: Hunt Primitive LLC / Jason Hunt / Flint & Steel Critical Skills Group.