Splints

SAM Splints — formable emergency splints

The SAM Splint is the world's most widely used formable emergency splint — a malleable aluminium-core splint that bends and holds shape to immobilise arms, wrists, ankles, legs, fingers, and in some configurations, the cervical spine or pelvis. Radiolucent, waterproof, and reusable. The standard limb splint for IFAKs, trauma kits, and first aid bags. Available in multiple sizes. See the SAM Splint product page for detailed specifications and application guide.

Slishman Traction Splint — femur fracture management

The Slishman Traction Splint (STS) is the compact, lightweight traction splint for mid-shaft femur fractures — the injury that requires traction rather than simple immobilisation. Available in the original Slishman Traction Splint, the updated Gen 2 version, and the Compact version for reduced pack size.

Prometheus Pelvic Splint and Pelvic Binder

The Prometheus Pelvic Splint and Prometheus Pelvic Binder are purpose-built devices for pelvic fracture stabilisation — applying controlled circumferential force to reduce and stabilise an open-book pelvic fracture. Critical for haemorrhage control in pelvic trauma where internal bleeding can be life-threatening. Designed for pre-hospital use with consistent, measurable force application regardless of operator experience.

Aerosplints — aluminium foam splints

The Aerosplint is a flat-profile aluminium and foam splint available in standard limb and finger sizes. Lightweight, malleable, and radiolucent. Suited to workplace first aid kits, sports medicine, and clinical environments where a compact, single-use splint option is needed.

Vacuum splints

Vacuum splints conform to the injured limb when air is removed, creating a rigid custom mould around the injury. Used for complex fractures and dislocations where a formable splint may not provide sufficient rigidity. Common in ambulance and advanced care settings.

Who Uses These Products

• Paramedics and pre-hospital care providers — SAM Splints, traction splints, pelvic binders, and vacuum splints as standard response kit components
• Military and tactical medics — SAM Splints and Slishman Traction Splints for TCCC and field casualty management
• Fire and rescue teams — splinting capability for extrication and casualty management during rescue operations
• Wilderness and remote first aiders — SAM Splints and Aerosplints for extended casualty care in environments far from definitive care
• Workplace first aiders — SAM Splints and Aerosplints for workplace injury management in industrial, mining, and construction environments
• Sports medicine and athletic trainers — Aerosplints and SAM Splints for field-side and sideline fracture management
• Kit builders — sourcing splints to add to IFAKs, trauma kits, medical bags, and vehicle kits

For limb fractures — formable splint

A SAM Splint or Aerosplint covers the vast majority of limb fracture scenarios — arm, wrist, forearm, ankle, leg, and finger. The SAM Splint is the preferred choice for most kit configurations: it is versatile, radiolucent, reusable, and fits across multiple injury types in a single device. For kit storage, the Aerosplint's flat profile takes up less space.

For femur fractures — traction splint

Mid-shaft femur fractures require traction — a sustained pull force to reduce the fracture and control haemorrhage into the thigh. A formable splint cannot provide traction. The Slishman Traction Splint is the dedicated tool for this injury. Traction splinting requires specific training — do not attempt without it.

For pelvic fractures — pelvic splint or binder

Open-book pelvic fractures require circumferential force to close the pelvis and control internal haemorrhage. The Prometheus Pelvic Splint and Pelvic Binder are purpose-built for this — applying consistent, measurable force without the inconsistency of improvised circumferential binding. Pelvic fracture management requires training.

For complex fractures and dislocations — vacuum splint

Vacuum splints mould to the injury on application and rigidify when air is removed — suited to irregular fractures, joint dislocations, and injuries where a formable splint cannot provide adequate rigidity.

SAM Splint vs foam splint

A foam splint provides padding and comfort support but minimal structural immobilisation for suspected fractures. The SAM Splint's aluminium core bends and holds its position, providing genuine structural support. For any scenario involving a suspected fracture, the SAM Splint is the appropriate choice over a foam splint.

Common Mistakes We See

The most common mistake is using the wrong splint type for the injury. Using a formable splint on a mid-shaft femur fracture — which requires traction, not static immobilisation — does not address the primary clinical problem and may allow ongoing haemorrhage into the thigh. Know which injuries require traction splinting and carry the appropriate device if you operate in environments where femur fractures are a realistic risk.

We also see foam splints used as a substitute for formable splints in trauma kits. Foam splints provide padding and minor support but do not provide the structural immobilisation of a SAM Splint or Aerosplint. For any scenario involving suspected fracture management, use a splint with an aluminium or structural core.

Improvised pelvic binding — using a sheet, triangular bandage, or improvised material to close a pelvic fracture — is inconsistent and difficult to apply with the correct force. The Prometheus Pelvic Splint and Binder are designed to apply the right amount of force reliably. If pelvic trauma is a realistic risk in your environment, carry a purpose-built pelvic device.

Finally, splinting an injury without adequate padding can cause pressure damage over bony prominences. Always pad between the splint and the skin, particularly at the ankle, wrist, and elbow.

What is the difference between a splint and a traction splint?

A standard splint — formable or rigid — immobilises a limb by preventing movement. A traction splint applies a sustained pull force along the axis of the limb to reduce a fracture and hold the bone ends in alignment. Traction splints are specifically for mid-shaft femur fractures, where simple immobilisation without traction allows ongoing muscle spasm, pain, and haemorrhage. For all other fractures, a standard formable splint is the correct tool.

What is the Slishman Traction Splint?

The Slishman Traction Splint (STS) is a compact, one-piece traction splint designed for pre-hospital use in environments where space and weight are limited. It applies and maintains controlled traction for mid-shaft femur fractures without requiring multiple components or assembly under pressure. Available in the original version, the Gen 2 (updated design), and the Compact version.

What is a pelvic splint?

A pelvic splint is a device that applies controlled circumferential compression around the pelvis to stabilise an open-book pelvic fracture. Open-book fractures — where the pelvic ring opens at the pubic symphysis — allow significant internal haemorrhage into the pelvic cavity. Closing the pelvis reduces the haemorrhage space and provides pain relief and stability during transport. The Prometheus Pelvic Splint is the dedicated pelvic stabilisation device in TacMed's range.

What is the Prometheus Pelvic Binder?

The Prometheus Pelvic Binder applies targeted circumferential force at the correct anatomical location for pelvic fracture management — the greater trochanters, not the iliac crests. It is designed for consistent application regardless of patient size or operator experience, with clear force indicators. Widely used in pre-hospital and emergency department settings in Australia. For the full Prometheus pelvic product range, see the Prometheus product page.

What is an Aerosplint?

The Aerosplint is a flat aluminium and foam emergency splint — similar in function to a SAM Splint but with a flat profile that stores compactly. Available in limb and finger sizes. Lightweight, malleable, and radiolucent. Suited to workplace kits, sports medicine, and clinical environments where a compact single-use splint is needed without the SAM Splint's rolled format.

What is a vacuum splint?

A vacuum splint is a bag filled with small polystyrene beads that wraps around the injured limb. When air is evacuated, the beads lock together and the splint rigidifies into a custom mould conforming exactly to the limb shape. Provides excellent support for complex fractures and joint dislocations. Commonly used in ambulance and emergency department settings where a rigid custom mould is preferred over a formable splint.

Are these splints suitable for workplace first aid kits?

SAM Splints and Aerosplints are widely used in workplace first aid kits. Their compact format and versatility across multiple injury types make them practical for any workplace where musculoskeletal injuries are a risk. Traction splints and pelvic binders are appropriate for high-risk workplaces — mining, construction, and remote operations — where femur fractures or high-energy pelvic trauma are realistic injury scenarios.

Do I need training to use a traction splint or pelvic binder?

Yes. Both traction splinting and pelvic binder application require specific training to apply correctly and safely. Incorrect traction splint application can worsen a femur fracture. Incorrect pelvic binder placement at the iliac crests rather than the greater trochanters is a common error that reduces effectiveness. SAM Splints and Aerosplints can be applied with basic first aid training.