The intent of this guide is to identify characteristics that an ES should possess.

Varied clinical situations may require differing combinations of devices for adequate extremity immobilization, including traction or pneumatic devices, or both.

A device intended for use with adult patients shall accommodate the 95th percentile adult American male.

Devices that are labeled as intended for pediatric use shall not be required to accommodate adult patients.

1.1 This guide covers minimum standards for devices, designated here as extremity splint(s) (ES), commonly known as splints. Extremity splints are designed to be used for the immobilization of an extremity by emergency medical service personnel.

1.2 This guide does not identify specific degrees of limitation of motion achieved by placement of a extrication device (ED) on a patient. Definitive requirements for immobilization of extremities in the out of hospital environment, and, in particular, the degree of limitation associated with the use of an ED in the out of hospital setting, have not been established in the medical literature.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.