Introduction The traction splint is a much known device in the pre-hospital emergency service. Although not widely used in Namibia it can be classified as one of the most important and effective devices in the pre-hospital setting. This reflection focuses on the origin of the device and the importance of it, including the experience of the author with the device and complications that can arise when using the splint. History and Appearance The First World War affected many countries, a lot of soldiers were killed and injured. Some of these injuries were mid-shaft femur fractures. A Welsh surgeon Dr. Hugh Owen Thomas, but it was introduced by Sir Robert Jones during the war, (White, 2011). The introduction of the traction splint (or the Thomas splint) made a significant impact on reducing mortality due to compound femur fractures, (White, 2011). Since then it evolved and became very significant in managing femur fractures. There are a variety of traction splints in terms of appearance. The types include the Donway splint, the Trac3 splint and the Sager splint, (Lee & Porter, 2005). The one mostly used in Namibia has two frames, five securing straps, a proximal securing strap, an ankle strap and a …show more content…
During such an episode the muscles in the thigh contract causing severe pain. The traction splint realigns the bones and helps relief the muscle spasm. Some sources say that it can be used in compound fractures while the other contraindicate it. The traction splint is becoming one of the most essential devices in the emergency medical care service. As the number of motor vehicle accidents increase in Namibia it is almost certain that the number of femur fractures will increase. Thus the need for the traction splint also increases. For this reason it is of upmost importance that future emergency care practitioners should receive the best training on the application of the traction