SAM Splints Belong in Your First Aid Kit.

Everybody needs a good set of splints in their first aid kit.  While there are many ways to improvise splints, it always saves time if you have one ready to use.  My first aid kit contains several of the SAM splints. I got them on the recommendation of some friends that are in medical rescue.   As of yet I have not had to use one in other than training.  However, my friends that ride rescue for the fire dept can’t say enough good about them.

The SAM splints are built from a thin core of aluminum alloy, sandwiched between two layers of closed-cell foam.  It is so pliable that just bending it, you would not suspect that there is a layer of metal inside.   But when you bend into any of three simple curves, it becomes extremely strong and supportive for any fractured or injured limb.  With these curves you can convert simple SAM splints into something so strong that people have even used it as an emergency canoe paddle or snow shovel.

If you have to use one on small children, the SAM splints are soft enough to cut with ordinary household scissors.  One does need to use care, if they trim the splint as the trimmed end has sharp aluminum. Simply folding it over twice takes care of the issue.

Because of the way the SAM splints can be bent, almost any bone in the body can be splinted.  It’s even possible to use the SAM splints to create an emergency cervical collar for neck injuries.

Some advantages of the SAM splints are

• Its waterproof
• Its reusable
• Lightweight and compact
• Radiolucent, you take x-rays through it
• It fastens in place with tape or wrap of choice
• Not affected by extreme temperatures or altitudes
• Closed-cell foam allows easy cleaning and disinfection; material compatible with all standard cleaning solutions
• Latex Free
• MADE IN THE USA – supports local jobs

They are available in the following sizes  36”, XL 36”, junior splint 18”,  wrist splint 9” and the finger splint.

The only real criticism of the Sam splints that I have heard is some say that the 36-inch splint is too long.  I believe this is from a lack of training.  The splint can be used doubled as you can see in the attached pictures.

Years ago when I was still active in the fire service I had the opportunity to splint broken bones and I can tell you that our splints were not as easy to use as the SAM splints.  They belong in your first aid kit.

Howard