EMT Lesson Plans

6.15 Instructor Guidance – Evaluating the Traction Splint

This station will test the candidate’s ability to:

1. Demonstrate how to apply a Hare traction splint. (pp 1026–1028, Skill Drill 29–7) 2. Demonstrate the assessment of neurovascular status. (pp 1015–1017, Skill Drill 29-1) 3. Demonstrate the care of musculoskeletal injuries. (p 1018–1020, Skill Drill 29-2)

Setup:

- Backboard with accessory bag (Board, collar, 3 straps, head blocks)

Instructions to be read to students:

“Your patient is a 42 year-old female who fell from a ladder. You have completed an assessment and find that she has back and neck pain. She is otherwise stable. Please perform the isolated skill of traction splinting per the skills sheet.”

Precautions:

Do not lead the student or correct performance. This is a testing station and no feedback should be offered.

Proofing Points:

Two straps above knee and off of fracture site (one is OK if patient is too short)

Ischial strap in groin crease (within reason – don’t get too intimate)

Two straps below knee

Device is noticeably high in the armpits

Knee is not covered by strap

Please note the following:

- No sag when manual traction is released

- Have 2 straps above and 2 straps below the knee (if the patient is tall enough – otherwise 1 above the knee is fine).

- Traction is not released once it is applied

- Order: Manual stabilization; assessment of the part; application of hitch, manual traction, application of device, ischial strap, rest of straps, mechanical traction, reassessment of part.