- SAM Splint
The SAM (Structural Aluminum Malleable) Splint is a compact, lightweight, highly-versatile device designed for immobilizing bone and soft tissue injuries in emergency settings. It consists of a layer of .016 inch (.4 mm) strips of soft
aluminum , with apolyethylene foam coating.The SAM splint was invented by Dr. Sam Scheinberg who, as a
trauma surgeon during theVietnam War , found that fieldmedic s generally ignored thesplint then issued by the Army. He developed the idea while playing with a foilchewing gum wrapper.cite news|accessdate=
url=http://www.newportnewstimes.com/articles/2007/11/14/business/business02.txt
date=November 14 ,2007
title=Sam Splint: An epiphany found in a gum wrapper
author=Chapman, Elizabeth
work=Newport News-Times]The device is often found in First Aid Kits,
Emergency Medical Technician 's "jump kits,"ambulance s, and similar settings. Generally supplied in a roll or as a flat strip up to 36 inches (92cm) long and 4 inches (10cm) wide, it can be unrolled and formed to the shape of the injured person's body. Once folded into a curve, it becomes quite rigid and capable of immobilizing a number of different wounds, including aleg ,forearm orhumerus . Folded properly, it can also be used to stabilize thecervical spine . It can be easily cut with scissors or shears, to make smaller devices such as finger splints.cite web
accessdate=
url=http://www.brooksidepress.org/Products/OperationalMedicine/DATA/operationalmed/MOLLEBag/SAMSplint.htm
title=SAM Splint
work=Operational Medicine 2001:Health Care in Military Settings
publisher=The Brookside Associates Medical Education Division] cite web|accessdate=
url=http://www.firerescue1.com/fire-ems/articles/330884/
title=Company's creative solutions hold it together
author=Foucht, Megan
publisher=FireRescue1
date=December 27 ,2007 ]It does not interfere with
X-Ray s.After use, it can be cleaned, rerolled, and reused.
ee also
References
External links
* [http://www.armystudyguide.com/content/powerpoint/First_Aid_Presentations/apply-a-sam-splint-to-a-f-2.shtml Army Field Guide Instructions for Applying a SAM Splint to a Fracture]
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