How to splint a broken arm or leg
Other platforms explain it with text and video. In VMS you practice it on the patient.
A good splint reduces pain, bleeding and further damage. The checks of the hand or foot before and after are part of the skill.
Step by step
Protect and expose
Gloves on, cut away clothing to see the injury. [1]
Hold it still
Support the limb above and below the injury. [1]
Check below the injury
Pulse, movement and sensation in the hand or foot. [1]
Measure the splint
Long enough to immobilize the joint above and the joint below a broken bone. [1]
Apply and pad
Pad hollows and bony points, then secure the splint without covering the fingers or toes. [1]
Immobilize the hand or foot
In the position of function, for example a roll in the hand. [1]
Recheck
Pulse, movement and sensation again. Elevate and apply cold if possible. [1]
Common errors
- Not checking pulse and sensation before and after.
- Splint too short.
- Ties so tight they cut off circulation.
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.
VMS cases that train this skill
Sources
Facts and steps follow NREMT psychomotor skill sheets (EMT and Paramedic). VMS is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.