News and Insights

Vacuum Splints in Emergency Medicine: Precision Immobilisation for Every Scenario

Written by Midmed | 26/05/2025 11:33:46 PM

In the fast-paced, high-pressure world of emergency medicine, immobilising injuries quickly and effectively is critical. Vacuum splints have emerged as a gold standard for pre-hospital and evacuation care, offering unmatched adaptability, relative comfort, and clinical precision. Unlike rigid splints, vacuum splints mould to the exact shape of the injury, providing secure immobilisation without circumferential pressure, minimising the risk of nerve, tissue, and blood vessel damage.

What Are Vacuum Splints?

Vacuum splints are flexible devices filled with tiny beads. When air is evacuated using a pump or valve, the splint hardens around the injured limb, conforming precisely to its shape. This technology allows for rapid, custom-fit stabilisation of fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries.

Evac-U-Splint Extremity Kit

The Evac-U-Splint Extremity Kit is a versatile, high-performance solution for a wide range of injuries, from dislocated shoulders to angulated wrist fractures. It includes splints in multiple sizes to accommodate different body parts and patient sizes. The variety of uses for the Evac-U-Splint is limited only by the rescuer's creativity.

Clinical Indications, including:

  • Dislocated shoulders
  • Upper arm and forearm fractures
  • Angulated wrist fractures
  • Elbow dislocations
  • Knee and ankle injuries
  • Paediatric and infant immobilisation
  • Hip stabilisation
  • Temporary cervical support

Key Features:

  • Moulds to the exact shape of the injury site without applying circumferential pressure
  • Anatomical Design. A tapered shape in three sizes allows application on virtually any body part or patient size. Individual replacement splints are available
  • The unique MaxiValve™ system facilitates rapid, secure air evacuation
  • X-Ray Compatible. Constructed of flexible fabric with a non-magnetic valve
  • Durable, easy-to-clean fabric for long-term use

For emergency professionals, the Evac-U-Splint Extremity Kit reduces on-scene time and simplifies patient handling, while patients benefit from a secure, pain-reducing fit.

 

Evac-U-Splint Mattress

The Evac-U-Splint Mattress is designed for full-body immobilisation, ideal for trauma patients with suspected spinal injuries or multiple fractures. The vacuum technology moulds the splint to the contours of the patient's body without applying pressure, providing uniform support and reducing pressure point tenderness.

It replaces traditional backboards and scoop stretchers with a more comfortable, form-fitting alternative.

The Evac-U-Splint mattresses have six large, padded handles secured to the perimeter of the mattress. These handles provide improved safety and security when moving and transferring a patient. The evacuation team is able to share handles when passing a patient in tight quarters.

Clinical Indications:

  • Polytrauma
  • Suspected spinal injuries
  • Hypothermic or unconscious patients
  • Complex extrications

Key Features:

  • Full-body support with vacuum stabilisation
  • Moulds to each patient's unique body contours. The patient can be transported supine, with knees flexed, or in a 30° elevated torso position
  • Reduces pressure points, improving patient comfort
  • Reusable and radiolucent
  • Quick application in confined or rugged environments
  • Superior immobilisation is provided by distributing body weight evenly, eliminating specific pressure points
  • Ideal for injuries of the spine, back, hips, pelvis or trauma patients with multiple fractures
  • Available in Adult and Paediatric sizes

The mattress is especially valuable in wilderness rescue, tactical medicine, and mass casualty incidents where patient movement must be minimised.

 

Fasplint Extremity Kit

The Fasplint is a semi-disposable vacuum splint designed for affordability and ease of use. It's ideal for messy trauma scenes or when equipment retrieval is uncertain.

Clinical Indications:

  • Leg fractures
  • Shoulder dislocations
  • Paediatric immobilisation
  • Temporary cervical support

Key Features:

  • Vinyl/polyester laminate construction
  • X-ray and MRI compatible
  • Quick moulding without circumferential pressure
  • Reusable or disposable, depending on the situation

The Fasplint is a favourite for its balance of performance and cost-effectiveness, especially in high-turnover or unpredictable environments.

 

Conclusion

Vacuum splints like the Evac-U-Splint and Fasplint kits offer emergency responders a powerful combination of speed, safety, and adaptability. They also provide superior comfort and protection for patients. Whether stabilising a fractured limb or immobilising a trauma patient for transport, vacuum splints are an essential part of modern emergency care.

Contact us for more information and to arrange a trial.