The SAM® Splint is the world's most widely used formable emergency splint — a lightweight, malleable aluminium core splint that can be shaped to immobilise almost any limb injury in the field. Used by paramedics, military medics, and first responders globally, it has been a standard component of trauma kits, IFAKs, and response bags for decades. Unlike rigid splints, the SAM® Splint bends and holds its shape — conforming to the injured limb rather than forcing the limb to conform to the splint. A single SAM® Splint can be shaped for an arm fracture, wrist, ankle, leg, finger, or configured as a cervical collar or pelvic stabilisation splint depending on the injury and the responder's training. The aluminium core is covered in closed-cell foam, making it waterproof, latex-free, and radiolucent — meaning it does not need to be removed for X-rays. This matters in clinical handover: a splint that can go directly to imaging without removal reduces handling of the injured limb and reduces patient discomfort. SAM® Splint vs Other Splint Types SAM® Splint vs rigid splints Versatility: SAM® Splint shapes to the injury. Rigid splints are fixed and suited only to specific limb sizes and injury types. Weight and storage: SAM® Splint rolls or folds flat — fits inside an IFAK or trauma kit. Rigid splints require dedicated storage. Radiolucency: SAM® Splint is radiolucent. Most rigid splints are not. Best for: SAM® Splint for emergency, field, and kit-based use. Rigid splints for fixed clinical environments with single-limb injury types. SAM® Splint vs foam splints Structure: SAM® Splint's aluminium core holds a shape once bent. Foam splints provide padding but minimal structural immobilisation. Immobilisation strength: SAM® Splint provides genuine structural support for suspected fractures. Foam splints are better suited to soft tissue injuries. Best for: SAM® Splint where true fracture immobilisation is the goal. Foam splints for padding and minor injury support. For traction splinting — required for femur fractures — see the Slishman Traction Splint. For pelvic fracture management, see the splints collection for dedicated pelvic splint options.
