MED DEFENSE
Don’t fall down without it!
Acclaimed by emergency care providers and outdoor enthusiasts worldwide (and even beyond the Earth, on NASA space shuttles), the SAM® SPLINT is based on an ancient construction principle: curves are strong.
Old-style splints derive their strength from the materials from which they are constructed: metal, wood, plaster, etc. Unfortunately, that means that to be strong, they have to be heavy, bulky, and not easily adjustable to a wide variety of needs. The SAM® SPLINT is built from a thin core of aluminum alloy, sandwiched between two layers of closed-cell foam. Freshly unrolled from storage, the splint is extremely pliable. Bent into any of three simple curves, it becomes extremely strong and supportive for any fractured or injured limb.
The reason lies in the physics of curved surfaces—the same physics that allows skyscrapers and bridges to be built of I-beams and hollow columns rather than heavy steel pillars. A flat piece of sheet metal bends easily, but if you mold it into any of several “structural curves,” it becomes much more rigid. Many such curves are possible, but for splinting with the SAM® SPLINT, you need only three basic curves. With these, you can convert a simple SAM® SPLINT into something so strong that people have even used it as an emergency canoe paddle or snow shovel. That’s more than strong enough for any conceivable splinting need.
At the same time, the SAM® SPLINT is extremely moldable, and soft enough to cut with ordinary household scissors. The result: with the proper choice of curves outlined in the training guide, almost any bone in the body can be splinted. It’s even possible to use the SAM® SPLINT to create an emergency cervical collar for neck injuries.
Who Uses the SAM® SPLINT?
From outer space to the depths of the ocean, in all conditions of weather and terrain, the SAM® SPLINT is the emergency splint of choice for:
• EMS personnel
• Military medics
• Athletic trainers
• Ski patrols
• Wilderness rescue teams
• Outdoor adventurers
• Boaters
• Safety engineers
• Veterinarians
Additional Benefits
• Waterproof
• Lightweight and compact (4 oz. for 4.25” x 36” strip)
• Radiolucent (does not have to be removed for X-rays)
• Can be rolled or folded for easy storage in emergency kits/backpacks
• Fastens in place with tape or wrap. No extra equipment needed.
• Not affected by extreme temperatures or altitudes. Even works underwater!
• Reusable
• Closed-pore, impermeable foam surface allows easy cleaning and disinfection. Material is compatible with all standard cleaning solutions.
• Will not puncture
• Training video or CD available via online store, or click here for online training.
Technical Details
The core of the SAM® SPLINT is a long rectangle of “O” temper, ultra-thin aluminum alloy. The covering layers are made of dermatologically safe closed-pore foam. The SAM® SPLINT is 4.25" wide and comes in pre-packaged lengths of 36 inches, 18 inches, 9 inches for splinting everything from a child’s arm to a basketball player’s leg. They are also available as a finger splint which measures 3.75" x 1.75".
Safety Tips
If prolonged use is anticipated (more than a few hours), place absorbent material, such as cotton cloth, between the splint and the skin to prevent skin irritation and odor. Also, to prevent uncomfortable pressure points during prolonged use, place soft padding (such as gauze pads) around all boney prominences. When cutting the splint avoid using serrated scissors as they may produce sharp edges. After cutting the splint, roll the cut end over or apply tape to cover any exposed metal. CAUTION: the splint is non-sterile. To reuse the SAM® SPLINT, wash thoroughly with disinfectant before repacking. ISO 9001-2000 and ISO 13488:1996 certified.
For price information please contact your official SAM Medical Products distributor or contact us at 800.818.4726.
click here for info on military orders through NARP
The Three Basic Bends:
By using the three basic bends demonstrated below, you are able to use the SAM SPLINT to splint almost any bone in the human body.
 The C-curve: Curve the SAM® SPLINT lenthwise to create a longitudinal bend which gives the spint strength. |
 The Reverse C-Curve: Curve the outside edges the opposite direction to make it even stronger. |
 The T-Curve: Double the SAM® SPLINT or create a T-Curve for extra strength. |
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The SAM® SPLINT can be used to splint every bone in the human body. Click on the image to the left to see some the most common uses in more detail. Upper Extremities & Neck Splints: Finger Splint, Thumb Splint, Short Arm Wrist Splint, Ulnar Gutter Splint, Double Layer Wrist Splint, Sugar Tong Splint, T-Beam Wrist Splint, Disclocated Elbow Splint, Upper Arm Splint, Adjustable Cervical Collar Splint Lower Extremities: Splints: Ankle Stirrup Splint, Figure 8 Splint, Combination Ankle & Figure 8 Splint, Single Long Leg Splint, Double Long Leg Splint, Knee Immobilizer Splint |
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These QuickTime video examples were taken from our SAM® SPLINT Training CD-ROM. When you click on the links below, the Quicktime movie will open in a new window. If you need the free QuickTime player you can download it by clicking the icon below.
<back to top>  Calling all SAM® SPLINT Engineers! Share your favorite use of the SAM® SPLINT When we first conceived of the SAM® SPLINT, we thought we were merely making an emergency splint. Little did we suspect that it would soon become a sandal, a canoe paddle, a washbasin, and more. In retrospect, we should have known. Our customers are creative, energetic people. Many are outdoor enthusiasts accustomed to making do with a minimum of gear from which, with a little bit of ingenuity, they can fashion just about anything they need. And it turns out that the SAM® SPLINT is nearly as versatile as duct tape. Over the years, these customers have delighted in sharing with us their favorite “unusual” uses of the SAM® SPLINT. Here are a few of the best we’ve encountered to date: The SAM® Pan <click for images> This one’s simple, ingenious, and versatile. It was first created by Brian Horner to thaw a frostbitten foot, high on Alaska’s Mount Denali. It also provides a handy washbasin, storage unit, trash container, bedpan, and latrine (for wildernesses where you have to pack everything back out with you). In addition, it can be used as a food bowl, a water bowl for your dog, or for cleaning wounds. To make one, just bend a 36-inch SAM® SPLINT into a cylindrical ring. For many uses, the ends can be left unsecured. Otherwise, connect them with duct tape, paper clips, or by folding them into hook-like bends. Now, put a garbage bag into the circle formed by the splint. Fold excess plastic out of the way, and presto, you have a handy bowl, about a foot in diameter. The SAM® Paddle <click for images> Are you literally trapped up a creek without a paddle? No problem, so long as you have a SAM® SPLINT at the ready. Just fold it as in the diagram, rolling down one end to form the upper hand grip. You’re not going to win any whitewater slalom events with it, but in a pinch it’s strong enough to get you from here to there. Snow Shovel <click for images> The truck’s stuck in the snow, or you’re on a wilderness skiing or climbing trip and need to build a snow shelter. Ideally, you’ve carried a shovel for the purpose, but if you haven’t, here comes the SAM® Shovel to the rescue. It looks just like the SAM® Paddle, except that you cut or burn away the EVA foam at the tip of the shovel blade. Our sources say that it’s strong enough for heavy, wet snow, but remember, the core is soft aluminum. An ice chipper it never will be! Emergency Sandals (“SAM®”dals) <click for images> Another creation of the innovative Brian Horner. You (or your patient) can walk, but you’ve got no shoes (or they won’t fit a swollen foot or ankle). Or you’re trying to wade a creek without getting your boots wet, and the creek-bed rocks are just too “ouchy” to do it barefoot. No problem: with a SAM® SPLINT and twine for each foot, you’re ready to go! The picture shows how. Flashlight holder <click for images> Cut a small strip from a SAM® SPLINT and bend it into an “S”. One end of the “S” crimps around your glasses; the other grips your flashlight. It’s a lot more comfortable than trying to hold the flashlight in your teeth (and safer for your dental work, too!). Climbing Helmet <click for images> For emergency use only. It’s better than nothing, but no substitute for the real McCoy. It’s created with duct tape and multiple splints. The photo is of Elizabeth Owen, who came up with the idea to protect a climbing accident victim. Thomas Half-Ring Splint <click for images> This one takes some advance preparation, and is used for seriously injured legs on backcountry outings, where a real Thomas half-ring splint is too cumbersome to carry. Before leaving home, create the foot-support section of the splint from an 8” section of an old ski pole, trekking pole, or similar hollow tube, drilling two holes in it, one inch from each end. The holes go all the way through the foot support, but are different diameters on each side, matched to the tapered tips of the poles you’ll be taking with you on the trail. Make sure you pack plenty of duct tape, safety pins, and strong cord (to be used for traction, if needed). In the field, create a hip support by placing two ski poles or trekking poles on a 36-inch SAM® SPLINT, as shown in the diagram. Then roll each end of the splint tightly around the handles. Secure with duct tape. Now, align the poles parallel to each other, fitting their tips into the foot support that you really did remember to bring with you. Duct tape can make for a more secure lashing if needed. Finally, shape the portion of the SAM® Splint between the two ski pole handles into the contours of a Thomas half-ring, as shown. Make calf and thigh supports with duct tape, and you’re ready to go. Got another idea? Tell us about it (please supply photos, instructions, and your name). Periodically, we’ll update our website to highlight the best new ideas. Product Numbers 1121: 36" SAM SPLINT, Roll (12pk) - Orange/Blue 1109: 36" SAM SPLINT, Roll (12pk) - Gray Roll 1121F: 36" SAM SPLINT, Flatfold (12pk) - Orange/Blue 1109F: 36" SAM SPLINT, Flatfold (12pk) – Gray 1410: 18" SAM SPLINT, Flatfold (24pk) - Orange/Blue 1412: 18" SAM SPLINT, Flatfold (24pk) – Gray 1005: 9" SAM SPLINT, Flatfold (10pk) - Orange/Blue 1007: 9" SAM SPLINT, Flatfold(10pk) – Gray 1215: Finger Splint (2pk) - Orange/Blue 1213: Finger Splint (10pk) - Orange/Blue 1208: Finger Splint (10pk) – Gray 3003: 36" SAM Vet Splint, Roll (12pk) - Orange/Blue 3003F: 36" SAM Veterinary Splint, FlatFold (12pk) - Orange/Blue |
Setting a New Standard for the Stabilization of Pelvic Fractures