CT-6 Tactical Traction Splint

Key Specifications

Product Overview

A mid-shaft femur fracture is one of the most dangerous musculoskeletal injuries a combat casualty can sustain. The femur is surrounded by the quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups—two of the largest muscle masses in the human body. When the femur fractures, these muscles contract and can shorten the limb by up to two inches, pulling bone fragments into surrounding tissue and potentially severing the femoral artery or compressing neurovascular structures. Uncontrolled hemorrhage into the thigh from a femur fracture can cause 1–2 liters of blood loss, contributing directly to hemorrhagic shock. Traction splinting reverses muscle spasm, realigns bone fragments, and dramatically reduces the bleeding space within the thigh.

The CT-6 Tactical Traction Splint from North American Rescue addresses this injury in a remarkably compact and lightweight package. The frame is built from carbon fiber tubing that collapses and snaps together via an internal bungee cord, allowing rapid assembly in the field without tools or complex procedures. A locking buckle secures the Ischial strap to the upper leg and groin—the same buckle design used throughout U.S. military service for its anti-accidental-release properties.

What distinguishes the CT-6 from traditional traction splints is its 4:1 mechanical purchase system. By routing a small line through a pulley arrangement, even a provider with limited upper-body strength can achieve and maintain adequate traction. The system is precise enough for delicate application on pediatric patients yet powerful enough to overcome the muscle contraction in extra-large adult casualties. The result is a traction splint that is trusted by the military, practical for tactical medics, and compact enough to carry in most field medical bags.

Clinical Rationale for Traction Splinting

Traction splinting is a Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) and pre-hospital trauma life support (PHTLS) intervention for mid-shaft femur fractures. Application goals include: (1) pain reduction by relieving the stretch on injured periosteum and surrounding muscles; (2) reducing the potential space for hemorrhage within the thigh by restoring bone alignment; (3) preventing further neurovascular injury from displaced bone fragments; and (4) facilitating safe patient transport by immobilizing the fracture during movement.

Proper application of a traction splint is a procedural skill requiring training. The CT-6 is designed to be taught in TCCC and first responder curricula. MED-TAC International recommends using this device in conjunction with formal traction splinting training. The compact carbon-tube design of the CT-6 makes it easy to include in training curricula and to carry in medical bags alongside other essential trauma supplies.

Application Overview

1. Assemble the CT-6 by snapping the carbon tube segments together (internal bungee guides alignment)
2. Position the ischial strap at the upper thigh / groin crease and secure with the locking buckle
3. Attach the ankle hitch to the foot and apply gentle manual traction
4. Route the traction line through the 4:1 purchase system and increase traction until pain relief is noted or muscle spasm eases
5. Secure the traction line and reassess neurovascular status distal to the fracture
6. Document time of application and transport the casualty to definitive care

See also: IFAK Kits & First Aid | Massive Hemorrhage Control | Training Kits & Supplies

All products sourced from the actual brand manufacturer or authorized master distributors. CoTCCC recommendation status verified where applicable. Ships from MED-TAC International, Pembroke Pines, FL — clinician-founded, veteran-led, SDVOSB-certified.