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Debate over backboarding aside, I would say traction splint before (if, that is, the person lets you touch their leg!). Part of backboarding, remember, is securing the legs, which you would need the splint on to do correctly in a femur scenario. Also, the sooner you get the femur "realigned," the better.
I would not use the splint.
I would put the leg in traction.
It can be done with Kling and not all the metal crap.
I don't think improvising a traction splint is in most peoples standard of care. If you carry a traction splint and are trained to use it, why re-invent the wheel?
(will traction improve bleeding from the femur itself? Veneficus?)
I would not use the splint.
I would put the leg in traction.
It can be done with Kling and not all the metal crap.
I trust most of my EMTs much more in their ability to put on a commercial traction splint than to rig up something.
Most splints fit in the ambulance. Otherwise how do those EMTs keep brining patients to my ER in traction splints.
We can see the fracture just fine even with a Sager or Hare on.
You can do whatever you want, but I think most rookie EMTs/medics reading this board are just going to get themselves into trouble if they start improvising traction splints rather than use what they are carrying.
Considering that transport to the hospital is likely going to be the most painful experience for the patient after the actual injury, I would like to do more for them than some kling. I can think of a few ways to improvise a traction devise, but none of them are nearly as effective as a purpose built splint. And if I can't get ALS in any reasonable amount of time, the splint is about it for pain control.
There are many more hands in the ED than on scene and while I understand that getting the splint off is a pain, it is certainly possible to do with relatively little pain if everyone communicates and works smoothly.