JIBC Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Practice Exam

A traction splint is specifically designed to stabilize and immobilize femur fractures by applying traction along the length of the leg. This type of splint works by aligning the fractured bone segments, which can help reduce pain and prevent further injury.

When a femur fractures, there’s a risk of muscle spasm that may further complicate the injury and increase discomfort. Traction splints help to counteract this spasm by providing a steady pull that maintains proper alignment. This is particularly important for femur fractures, as they tend to be unstable and can lead to significant complications if not properly managed.

In contrast, circumferential splints, rigid splints, and soft splints have different applications and are less effective for this type of fracture. Circumferential splints can provide support, but they don’t address the need for traction. Rigid splints are used for immobilizing broken bones but might not effectively align the long bone like a traction splint does. Soft splints are typically more suitable for minor injuries or as a temporary measure rather than for significant fractures such as a femur fracture. Consequently, the traction splint is the most appropriate choice for treating this particular injury effectively.