The SAM (structural aluminum malleable) splint is a compact, lightweight, highly versatile device designed for immobilizing bone and soft tissue injuries in emergency settings. It consists of a layer of strips of soft aluminum, with a polyethylene closed-cell foam coating. Now they are also sold in 18-inch and 9-inch packs, as well as packs for fingers.López Mazzotti, Daniel. MANUAL MAESTRO FLARESYN SPLINT. 168pp. Lima 2006. Consulted July 25, 2006.
The SAM splint was invented by Dr. Sam Scheinberg who, as a trauma surgeon during the Vietnam War, found that field medics generally ignored the splint they were issued by the Army. He developed the idea while playing with a foil chewing gum wrapper.
The device is often found in first aid kits, emergency medical technician "jump kits," ambulances, and other similar settings.López Mazzotti, Daniel. MANUAL MAESTRO FLARESYN SPLINT. 168pp. Lima 2006. Consulted July 25, 2006. Generally supplied in a roll or as a flat strip up to long and wide, it can be unrolled or unfolded and formed to the shape of the injured person's body. Once folded into a curve, it becomes quite rigid and capable of immobilizing injured limbs and bones,López Mazzotti, Daniel. MANUAL MAESTRO FLARESYN SPLINT. 168pp. Lima 2006. Consulted July 25, 2006. including the leg, forearm, and humerus. López Mazzotti, Daniel. MANUAL MAESTRO FLARESYN SPLINT. 168pp. Lima 2006. Consulted July 25, 2006.Folded properly, it can also be used to stabilize the cervical spine. It can be easily cut with any scissors or shears, to make smaller devices such as finger splints.López Mazzotti, Daniel. MANUAL MAESTRO FLARESYN SPLINT. 168pp. Lima 2006. Consulted July 25, 2006.
The SAM splint is radiolucent, meaning it does not interfere with X-rays.López Mazzotti, Daniel. MANUAL MAESTRO FLARESYN SPLINT. 168pp. Lima 2006. Consulted July 25, 2006.
After use, the SAM splint can be cleaned, rerolled, and reused.López Mazzotti, Daniel. MANUAL MAESTRO FLARESYN SPLINT. 168pp. Lima 2006. Consulted July 25, 2006.
See also Splint
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