ASTM F1555-94(2007)

Standard Guide for Characteristics for Extremity Splints

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The intent of this guide is to identify characteristics that an ES should possess.
Varied clinical situations may require differing combinations of devices for adequate extremity immobilization, including traction or pneumatic devices, or both.
A device intended for use with adult patients shall accommodate the 95th percentile adult American male.
Devices that are labeled as intended for pediatric use shall not be required to accommodate adult patients.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers minimum standards for devices, designated here as extremity splint(s) (ES), commonly known as splints. Extremity splints are designed to be used for the immobilization of an extremity by emergency medical service personnel.
1.2 This guide does not identify specific degrees of limitation of motion achieved by placement of a extrication device (ED) on a patient. Definitive requirements for immobilization of extremities in the out of hospital environment, and, in particular, the degree of limitation associated with the use of an ED in the out of hospital setting, have not been established in the medical literature.
This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2007
• ICS: 11.160 - First aid
• Technical Committee: F30 - Emergency Medical Services
• Drafting Committee: F30.01 - EMS Equipment

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F1555-94(2002) - Standard Guide for Characteristics for Extremity Splints
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2007
• Replaced By: ASTM F1555-94(2015) - Standard Guide for Characteristics for Extremity Splints (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.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(Reapproved 2007)
Standard Guide for
Characteristics for Extremity Splints
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1555; 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 (´) 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 2.2 Centers for Disease Control Standard:
Guidelines for Prevention of Transmission of HIV and HBV
1.1 This guide covers minimum standards for devices,
to Healthcare and Public Safety Workers
designated here as extremity splint(s) (ES), commonly known
2.3 OSHA Standard:
as splints. Extremity splints are designed to be used for the
29 CFR 1910.1030 Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne
immobilization of an extremity by emergency medical service
Pathogens; Final Rule
personnel.
1.2 This guide does not identify specific degrees of limita- 3. Terminology
tion of motion achieved by placement of a extrication device
3.1 Definitions:
(ED) on a patient. Definitive requirements for immobilization
3.1.1 extremity(ies)—limb; arm or leg.
of extremities in the out of hospital environment, and, in
3.1.2 extremity immobilization—immobilization of the in-
particular,thedegreeoflimitationassociatedwiththeuseofan
jury site and its contiguous proximal and distal joints or bones.
ED in the out of hospital setting, have not been established in
3.1.3 retention system—a retention system is an adjunct to,
the medical literature.
or an integral part of a device that allows the device to be
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
securely attached to the patient, used in whatever configuration
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
and size necessary to accomplish the goal, while still allowing
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
reasonable and necessary access to the patient.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.2.1 directions of movement—movements include flexion,
2. Referenced Documents
extension, rotation, distraction, lateral motion, and axial com-
pression motion.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
F1177 Terminology Relating to Emergency Medical Ser-
3.2.2 extremity splint—a device that can be secured to the
vices
extremity that will maintain the position and limit motion of
the extremity.
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F30 on Emergency
3.2.3 immobilization—limitation of motion.
Medical Services and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F30.01 on EMS
3.2.4 pneumatic devices—devices utilizing air pressure or
Equipment.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2007. Published February 2007. Originally vacuum to limit the motion of an extremity.
approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as F1555 – 94(2002).
DOI: 10.1520/F1555-94R07.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail].
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