Multi-use 3D-printed splint for wilderness medicine

thingiverse

Splinting devices are commonplace in emergency medicine, as musculoskeletal and soft tissue injuries account for a majority of nonfatal events in wilderness medicine. Current splint designs, such as the SAM splint, sacrifice site-specific stability for their portability. This leads to the need for a similarly portable, but more securely fitting splint device. This design aims to provide a lightweight, multi-use, reusable, biodegradable, and inexpensive solution for splinting in wilderness medicine. A thin plate constructed of polylactic acid extruded from a 3d printer becomes easily malleable after submersion in hot water and can be form fitted to almost any location on the body. After use, it may be resubmerged in hot water and will return to its original flat shape for easy storage. Post-print use instructions: 1) Place splint into hot water for approximately 15 seconds or until flexible. 2) Cover area to be splinted with clothing, rag, or other material 3) Remove splint from heat, shake off water and place over desired location. Firmly compress splint to form fit the desired area. Hold for approximately 30 seconds until splint hardens. 4) Add straps if desired through corresponding loop locations at edges of splint. [WARNING: Although PLA cools quickly, take caution handling any hot water or hot plastic] Please feel free to comment on the design, try it out, and remix it!