ASTM F1555-94(2002)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:F1555–94 (Reapproved2002)
Standard Guide for
Characteristics for Extremity Splints
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1555; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
The objective of this guide is to begin to address the recognized need to support and immobilize the
injured extremity. Although this guide does not quantitatively address performance standards for this
device, it does address the characteristics of the device(s) used to provide support and immobilization
of the extremities in a patient suspected of receiving trauma to that portion of the body.
1. Scope 29 CFR 1910.1030 Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne
Pathogens; Final Rule
1.1 This guide covers minimum standards for devices,
designated here as extremity splint(s) (ES), commonly known
3. Terminology
as splints. Extremity splints are designed to be used for the
3.1 Definitions:
immobilization of an extremity by emergency medical service
3.1.1 extremity(ies)—limb; arm or leg.
personnel.
3.1.2 extremity immobilization—immobilization of the in-
1.2 This guide does not identify specific degrees of limita-
jury site and its contiguous proximal and distal joints or bones.
tion of motion achieved by placement of a extrication device
3.1.3 retention system—a retention system is an adjunct to,
(ED) on a patient. Definitive requirements for immobilization
or an integral part of a device that allows the device to be
of extremities in the out of hospital environment, and, in
securely attached to the patient, used in whatever configuration
particular, the degree of limitation associated with the use of an
and size necessary to accomplish the goal, while still allowing
ED in the out of hospital setting, have not been established in
reasonable and necessary access to the patient.
the medical literature.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2.1 directions of movement—movements include flexion,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
extension, rotation, distraction, lateral motion, and axial com-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
pression motion.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.2.2 extremity splint—a device that can be secured to the
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
extremity that will maintain the position and limit motion of
2. Referenced Documents the extremity.
3.2.3 immobilization—limitation of motion.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2.4 pneumatic devices—devices utilizing air pressure or
F 1177 Terminology Relating to Emergency Medical Ser-
vacuum to limit the motion of an extremity.
vices
3.2.5 traction device—adevicethatalignstheextremityand
2.2 Centers for Disease Control Standard:
limits its motion.
Guidelines for Prevention of Transmission of HIV and HBV
3.3 For definitions of other terms used in this guide, refer to
to Healthcare and Public Safety Workers
Terminology F 1177.
2.3 OSHA Standard:
4. Significance and Use
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F30 on Emergency 4.1 The intent of this guide is to identify characteristics t
...