Let me start by saying that I know little of what each of you has in terms of knowledge and supplies for dealing with a medical emergency. If you have some training, I encourage you to get more. If you have a basic first aid kit, double what supplies are in it. Triple them if you have the chance.

What I want to talk about today is a SAM Splint. Weighs about 4 oz., takes up the space of a can of soda in your pack, costs about $15.00, and is one of the most usefull items you can have in a first aid kit. It can be used to splint just about every bone in your body, and can be used as an improvised C collar for the neck. Its bendable, moldable, cutable, and yet very strong when used properly. The web site for their products, which also includes a new item called Blist-o-ban for preventing blisters, has a chart showing how to place a splint on each major body part, as well as some alternate uses for it. Even some one like melbo can figure it out.

This is not a mandatory item for a kit, a splint can be improvised by just about anything. Rolled up magazine, metal staves from an interior framed pack, canoe paddle, sticks, even another body part. The advantage is that it takes up little to no space/weight, and it is one less thing to worry about when the patient (your loved one) is screaming in front of you. Just unroll and apply to the injury as you have been trained.

Check for a pulse below the injury. Support the injury as you apply the splint. Tape in place. Duct tape is great for this, but you may want to cover the skin if the tape is going to be in contact with it. Check again for pulse. Continue to check for pulse every 15 minutes while transporting to the next level of medical care.

Great item to have, just remember that the best item is between your ears.

Phishi