Why Firefighters and Medics Should Always Carry EMS Splints

Emergencies strike without warning, and we are well aware of this. So, the question is, how prepared are we?

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), nearly 47% of U.S. fire departments lack the necessary emergency medical services (EMS) resources. Missing equipment can mean more damage and casualties.

That is why first responders must carry all the equipment they might need during an emergency. Yet, one of the most overlooked but critical tools in an EMS kit is the EMS splint—a small device that can make a big difference in patient outcomes.

What are EMS Splints?

EMS splints are devices that immobilize broken bones, sprains, and severe injuries. They help prevent further damage and pain and stabilize patients until they receive appropriate medical care. First responders use EMS splinting during car accidents, falls, or natural disasters.

EMS splints are crucial in stabilizing injuries by preventing unnecessary movement that could make things worse. Different types serve different needs:

• Rigid splints offer firm support to keep the limb in place.
• Flexible splints mold around the injury for a more customized fit.
• Traction splints, designed explicitly for femur fractures, apply a controlled pulling force to align the bone, reducing pain and preventing complications.
• Vacuum splints conform to the shape of the limb by removing air, creating a snug, supportive fit.

Each type has its purpose, ensuring first responders can provide the best care in any situation.

Despite their importance, the harsh truth is that EMS splints are often left behind or not included in the emergency equipment.

Types of EMS Splints

Not all splints are the same—different injuries require different solutions. The right splint depends on the severity and location of the injury.

1. Pediatric Traction Splint

This compact, lightweight traction splint is specifically designed for pediatric patients with femur fractures. It is designed for rapid deployment in emergencies. It provides superior stabilization while ensuring maximum comfort and pain relief. The splint’s adjustable straps and durable aluminum frame allow for precise traction control, minimizing chances of further hemorrhage and additional nerve, vascular, bone, and muscle damage.

2. Adult Traction Splint

Made for adults, this traction splint effectively realigns a fractured femur to its position, reducing pain and restoring perfusion to an injured leg. It features four adjustable leg straps and a secure traction mechanism. Its lightweight frame makes it easy to carry and deploy in emergencies. This splint is essential for EMS teams to provide reliable support whenever needed.

3. Flex-All Splint

The Flex-All Splint is a highly versatile, lightweight, and radiolucent splint designed for civilian and tactical emergency responders. Made from a pliable aluminum core covered in waterproof, closed-cell foam, it can be easily shaped to support fractures, sprains, and soft tissue injuries. It is excellent for splinting all extremities on small kids to adults. Since it is flexible, it can be used on any body part.

4. Heavy-Duty Emergency Fracture Immobilization Splints

This heavy-duty emergency splint is designed to provide superior stabilization for arm and leg injuries. It is engineered for rapid deployment and features a lightweight yet durable construction that ensures reliable support in critical situations. Its user-friendly design allows first responders to immobilize fractures quickly and efficiently, reducing pain and preventing further injury. Whether in the field or at an accident scene, this splint is indispensable for any emergency medical professional.

5. Vacuum Splints

When air is extracted, these splints conform precisely to the shape of the injury, providing a secure and customized fit. Ideal for stabilizing fractures, sprains, and dislocations, they offer exceptional support and comfort while minimizing movement and reducing pain. Their adaptability makes them a vital tool for first responders in routine and high-stress emergencies.

Why Firefighters and Medics Need EMS Splints

1. Broken Bones and Trauma Are More Common Than You Think

Think fractures are rare? Let’s see the statistics.

Over 6 million people in the U.S. break a bone every year.

About 40% of all EMS calls involve some form of musculoskeletal injury.

Firefighters and medics respond to countless falls, crashes, and disasters where broken bones are a certainty.

Without proper EMS splints, an already painful situation can turn catastrophic. Moving an injured person

without stabilizing their limb could cause nerve damage, internal bleeding, or even permanent disability.

2. EMS Splinting Reduces Pain Instantly

Pain management is a critical part of emergency care. An agony patient is harder to treat, more likely to panic, and at risk for complications like shock. EMS splinting prevents further injury and reduces excruciating pain by stabilizing bones and joints.

Imagine this: a firefighter rescues a car accident victim with a severely fractured leg. Without a splint, every bump and movement could send waves of agony through their body. However, the pain lessens with a properly applied EMS splint, allowing medics to transport them safely.

3. Firefighters Often Arrive Before Ambulances

In many emergencies, firefighters are the first to arrive. They perform rescues, provide immediate medical aid, and stabilize victims until an ambulance arrives. Without EMS splints, they might struggle to treat patients with severe injuries properly.

They’re left improvising without EMS splints—using sticks, belts, or whatever’s available. That’s not just inefficient—it’s dangerous. Every professional responder should have EMS splints in their gear, with no exceptions.

4. EMS Splints Are Lightweight and Easy to Use

Carrying EMS splints isn’t a burden. They’re lightweight, compact, and simple to apply. Whether it’s a rigid splint, vacuum splint, or SAM splint, these devices can be quickly deployed to stabilize an injury in seconds.

Firefighters and medics are trained to act fast. Having EMS splints within arm’s reach allows them to do their job more effectively. The quicker they can stabilize a patient, the better the outcome.

5. Delayed Splinting Can Lead to Permanent Damage

A broken bone isn’t just about pain—it’s about long-term consequences. If a bone shifts too much before being stabilized, it could cause:

• Severe nerve damage
• Internal bleeding
• Loss of limb function
• Increased risk of surgery or amputation

EMS splints keep everything in place, preventing further trauma. Every firefighter and medic should understand that delaying EMS splinting can have irreversible effects on a patient’s health.

6. It’s a Must-Have for Disaster and Mass Casualty Situations

Think about earthquakes, tornadoes, explosions, and active shooter situations. In these disasters, medics and firefighters don’t just deal with one patient—they manage dozens, sometimes hundreds.

In mass casualty events, quick and effective treatment is the difference between life and death. EMS splints allow responders to stabilize multiple victims rapidly, freeing them up to help others in need. Without them, chaos increases, and survival rates drop.

7. It’s Not Just About Patients—Firefighters and Medics Get Injured Too

Rescuers aren’t invincible. Firefighters and medics often get injured while saving others. They face daily physical risks, from falling debris to vehicle crashes.

If a firefighter or medic gets injured on the job, having an EMS splint on hand could be the difference between continuing to help or becoming another victim needing rescue. Carrying EMS splints isn’t just about aiding civilians—it’s about protecting the rescuers, too.

The Bottom Line

Firefighters and medics are heroes, but even heroes need the right tools to save lives. EMS splints should be a standard issue in every emergency responder’s kit. Since fractures and dislocations can occur in various emergencies, such as road accidents, fires, and other natural disasters, fire departments, ambulance services, and emergency response teams should have EMS splints available.