EMS field skills

How to apply a traction splint

Other platforms explain it with text and video. In VMS you practice it on the patient.

EMS (NREMT)
Practice it in VR with Blocky

Traction splints reduce pain and bleeding in a broken thigh bone.

Step by step

  1. Indication

    Isolated midshaft femur fracture. [1]

  2. Not for

    Hip, pelvis, knee or lower leg injury, or partial amputation. [1]

  3. Stabilize and check

    Manual stabilization; pulse, movement and sensation. [1]

  4. Measure

    Against the uninjured leg. [1]

  5. Apply

    Ankle hitch, mechanical traction until pain relief or matching manual traction. [1]

  6. Secure and recheck

    Straps, then pulse, movement and sensation. [1]

Common errors

Practice it in VMS

In VMS you do this on the patient, not on paper: every step goes on the checklist with a score, and in Teach mode Blocky tells you what comes next.

Sources

  1. NREMT psychomotor skill sheets (EMT and Paramedic)
  2. National EMS Education Standards (2021)

Facts and steps follow NREMT psychomotor skill sheets (EMT and Paramedic); National EMS Education Standards (2021). VMS is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.