Originally Posted By: Lono
Foam pads are very useful for fabricating splints - add structure outside the pad in the form of a stick or hiking pole etc. Cut them to just the size you need - foam pads don't cost much, I have sacrificed a few for some splinting exercises with Scouts.
Much of the time you don't even need "structure outside". If you roll the foam properly it is quite stiff.

One of my favorite splints is the "jelly roll" for a knee or lower leg injury. Put two overlapping pads crosswise under the leg. Adjust the overlap to get the right length. In most cases it is best to put a small bit of padding under the knee so that the leg is slightly flexed. Roll the two sides in, towards the leg. Secure with cravats, webbing, or whatever. It is quite ridgid, well padded, and insulated. Very fast and effective. Works as good or better than the "quicky splints" often carried by ski patrollers.

I have also seen a very effective C-collar fashioned by cutting a peice of ensoslite.
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