Splinting & Immobilization — SAM, Traction, Vacuum | MED-TAC

Quick Filters:

IFAK Kits Tourniquets Chest Seals Bleeding Control Body Armor Packs & Bags

How to Choose a Splint

A splint's job is to stop a broken or dislocated joint from moving, which controls pain, limits further damage to nerves and vessels, and can slow bleeding into the tissue around the break. The best splint is the one you can apply correctly to the injury in front of you — so most providers carry a moldable splint that adapts to any limb, plus purpose-built options for specific injuries.

Splint types

Type	Best for
Moldable (foam-and-metal)	The universal splint — bends to fit any limb or joint
Rigid / box	Firm immobilization of long-bone fractures
Vacuum	Conforms to the limb, then locks rigid; excellent for deformed or angulated fractures
Traction	Mid-shaft femur fractures — applies pull to realign and reduce bleeding

Principles that don't change

Immobilize the joint above and below — a splint that doesn't bracket the injury doesn't hold it.
Check circulation, sensation, and movement — before and after splinting, confirm the limb still has a pulse and feeling.
Pad and secure — prevent pressure points on a limb that may be splinted for hours.
Know the contraindications — traction splints are for mid-shaft femur fractures, not for pelvic, joint, or lower-leg injuries.

Building a splinting kit? A moldable splint covers most needs; add a traction splint where femur fractures are likely. Anchor the loadout with the trauma-response brief.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most versatile splint to carry?

A moldable foam-and-metal splint is the most versatile, because it bends to fit any limb or joint and can be cut and shaped on scene. Most EMS, tactical, and wilderness kits carry one as the baseline.

When do you use a traction splint?

A traction splint is for an isolated mid-shaft femur fracture, where it applies pull to realign the bone and reduce bleeding and pain. It is contraindicated for pelvic, hip, knee, and lower-leg injuries.

What is a vacuum splint?

A vacuum splint is a bladder filled with beads that conforms to the limb in any position, then becomes rigid when air is drawn out. It is well suited to deformed or angulated fractures that shouldn't be straightened.

What should I check before and after splinting?

Check circulation, sensation, and movement distal to the injury before and after applying the splint. A splint that is too tight or poorly positioned can cut off blood flow or compress a nerve.

How do you splint correctly?

Immobilize the joint above and below the injury, pad bony points, and secure firmly without cutting off circulation. The goal is to prevent movement at the injury site through the entire transport.

Related collections

MED-TAC International Corp. is a clinician-founded, veteran-led tactical medicine provider. Product references to CoTCCC reflect committee recommendations and do not imply FDA approval or certification. This content is educational and is not a substitute for hands-on training or medical direction.

Evidence-Based Selection

CoTCCC Aligned

SDVOSB Certified

500+ Agencies

Why MED-TAC's Evidence-Based Approach Outperforms

Multi-brand curation means optimal performance — not vendor compromises.

Multi-Brand Curation

We select the best component from each manufacturer — not whatever a single vendor pushes.

✓ Best tourniquet from Company A (98% effectiveness)
✓ Superior hemostatic from Company D (clinical proven)
✓ Optimized kit performance over vendor politics

Evidence-Based Selection

Components chosen based on clinical studies and field data — not marketing claims.

98%

Tourniquet Effectiveness

94%

Hemostatic Success

96%

Chest Seal Adhesion

95%

User Satisfaction

Professional Validation

Trusted by professionals across law enforcement, EMS, and corporate safety programs.

500+

Law Enforcement

250+

EMS Departments

1000+

Corporate Programs

50K+

Individuals Trained

CoTCCC Aligned

Current Guidelines

Stop the Bleed

Partner Program

SDVOSB Certified

Veteran-Owned Business

SAM Registered

Federal Contractor

Filter by

3-Bag Impervious Collection

12 products

Sort by:

SAM Splint II w/Cohesive Wrap

SAM Splint II

TacMed™ RISE™ - Rigid Immobilization System for Extremities

AMBU Perfit ACE Adjustable Cervical Extrication Collar

CRO Medical Pelvic Binder

IM-PAL: Your First Line of Defense for Impaled Objects

SAM Pelvic Sling

FARETEC Redi Splint Immobilizer

K-9 Splint

Slishman Traction Splint

UNO Traction Splint

Soft Shell SAM Splint - 15"

How to Choose a Splint

Splint types

Principles that don't change

Frequently Asked Questions

Related collections

Why MED-TAC's Evidence-Based Approach Outperforms

Multi-Brand Curation

Evidence-Based Selection

Professional Validation

Learn & Prepare by Profession

Cart

Country/region

Filter and sort

Filter

12 products

Sort by:

How to Choose a Splint

Splint types

Principles that don't change

Frequently Asked Questions

Related collections

Why MED-TAC's Evidence-Based Approach Outperforms

Multi-Brand Curation

Evidence-Based Selection

Professional Validation

Learn & Prepare by Profession

My Wishlist

Compare

Find Your Mission-Ready Trauma Kit

What's your primary operating environment?

Who are you equipping?

How will the kit travel?

What's the highest injury risk you prepare for?

What's your medical training level?

Do you have a K-9 partner?

What's your budget range?

Do you want a fully stocked kit, or would you rather build your own?

Almost there. Where should we send your kit recommendation?