SAM® Splint

• Formable and malleable: Aluminium core bends and holds shape — conforms to the injury rather than the other way around.
• Radiolucent: Does not need to be removed for X-rays, reducing patient handling during clinical handover.
• Versatile configurations: Can be shaped for arm, wrist, leg, ankle, finger, cervical collar, and pelvic stabilisation depending on training and injury type.
• Lightweight and compact: Rolls or folds flat — fits inside standard IFAKs, trauma kits, and response bags.
• Waterproof: Closed-cell foam coating maintains performance in wet, outdoor, and field conditions.
• Reusable: Easy to clean and reshape — suitable for training use and non-contaminated field reuse.
• Temperature stable: Remains effective across extreme heat and cold.
• Latex-free: Suitable for patients with latex sensitivities.
• Secures with standard materials: Fasten with bandage, tape, or any wrap — no proprietary fasteners required.

What is a SAM® Splint used for?

The SAM® Splint is used to immobilise suspected fractures, sprains, and soft tissue injuries during emergency response, first aid, and pre-hospital care. It can be shaped to support arms, wrists, legs, ankles, fingers, and other limb injuries — and in some configurations can be used for cervical or pelvic stabilisation depending on training and injury type.

What does radiolucent mean and why does it matter?

Radiolucent means the material does not absorb X-rays — so it appears transparent on imaging rather than blocking the view of the underlying bone. A radiolucent splint does not need to be removed before X-rays, which reduces patient handling during clinical handover and avoids unnecessary movement of a suspected fracture. This is a significant practical advantage over many rigid splints and improvised immobilisation methods.

Can a SAM® Splint be used as a pelvic splint?

Yes, with appropriate training. SAM® Splints can be configured for pelvic stabilisation using specific techniques taught in advanced first aid and trauma courses. For dedicated pelvic splint devices — including the Prometheus Pelvic Splint — see the splints collection. A dedicated pelvic splint provides more consistent force application for pelvic fracture management than an improvised configuration.

How is a SAM® Splint different from a rigid splint?

A rigid splint is a fixed shape — useful for specific injury types in a clinical setting where you have the right size for the right limb. The SAM® Splint is formable — it bends and holds its shape, conforming to the injured limb rather than requiring the limb to fit the splint. In a field or emergency kit context, a single SAM® Splint covers a wide range of injury types and body sizes that would otherwise require multiple rigid splints.

How is a SAM® Splint different from a foam splint?

A foam splint provides padding and basic support but minimal structural immobilisation — it is better suited to soft tissue injuries and minor sprains. The SAM® Splint's aluminium core bends and holds its position, providing genuine structural support for suspected fractures where immobilisation is the clinical priority.

Can a SAM® Splint be used for an ankle injury?

Yes. The SAM® Splint is commonly shaped into a stirrup or posterior slab configuration for ankle injuries and fractures. The formable design allows it to conform to the contours of the ankle and lower leg for effective immobilisation.

Can a SAM® Splint be used for an arm or wrist injury?

Yes. Arm and wrist fractures are among the most common applications. The splint can be shaped to support the forearm in a neutral position, bent to follow the wrist, or configured for hand and finger injuries. Secure with bandage or tape after shaping.

What size SAM® Splint do I need?

SAM® Splints are available in multiple sizes — typically 36-inch (91 cm) for limb injuries, 18-inch (46 cm) for smaller injuries or paediatric use, and a 4.25-inch finger splint. Check the product variants above for available sizes. The 36-inch is the standard size for most trauma kit configurations.

Do I need a SAM® Splint if I also carry a traction splint?

Yes — they serve different purposes. A traction splint (such as the Slishman Traction Splint) is specifically designed for femur fractures where traction is required to reduce the fracture. The SAM® Splint addresses all other limb fractures and injuries where simple immobilisation — not traction — is the appropriate intervention. Most complete trauma kits carry both.

Is the SAM® Splint suitable for a first aid kit?

Yes. Its compact rolled profile fits inside standard first aid bags, IFAKs, and trauma kits. It is used in both professional emergency response and civilian first aid settings. For workplace, remote, and vehicle kits where space is limited, the SAM® Splint is the standard splinting option.

Is the SAM® Splint reusable?

Yes. When used for training or in non-contaminated situations, the SAM® Splint can be cleaned, reshaped, and reused. For duty or field kits, it is best practice to replace after operational use. Training-specific use is the primary reuse application.

Does the SAM® Splint replace professional medical care?

No. Splinting is a temporary measure to immobilise a suspected fracture and reduce pain and further injury during transport to definitive care. Suspected fractures and serious musculoskeletal injuries require medical assessment and imaging.