Instruction manual

PROFICIENCY IN SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE BOATS OTHER THAN
FAST RESCUE BOATS
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splints, are best, but improvised splints may be used. Figure 15-17 shows
how boards may be used as an emergency splint for a fractured thigh.
Remember,
DO NOT MOVE THE VICTIM UNTIL THE INJURED LEG HAS BEEN
IMMOBILIZED. Treat the victim for shock, and evacuate at the earliest
possible opportunity.
Lower Leg Fracture
When both bones of the lower leg are broken, the usual signs of fracture
are likely to be present. When only one bone is broken, the other one acts as
a splint and, to some extent, prevents deformity of the leg. However,
tenderness, swelling, and pain at the point of fracture are almost always
present. A fracture just above the ankle is often mistaken for a sprain. If both
bones of the lower leg are broken, an open fracture is very likely to result. If
the fracture is open, stop the bleeding and treat the wound. Carefully
straighten the injured leg.
Apply a pneumatic splint if available; if not, apply three splints, one on
each side of the leg and one underneath. Be sure that the splints are well
padded, particularly under the knee and at the bones on each side of
the ankle. A pillow and two side splints work very well for treatment of a
fractured lower leg.
Place the pillow beside the injured leg, then carefully lift the leg and place
it in the middle of the pillow. Bring the edges of the pillow around to the front
of the leg and pin them together. Then place one splint on each side of the
leg (over the pillow), and fasten them in place with strips of bandage or
adhesive tape. Treat the victim for shock and evacuate as soon as possible.
Fig.15-17 Splint for a fractured femur
Fig.15-18 Immobilization of a fractured patella