ASTM F1555-94

Standard Guide for Characteristics for Extremity Splints

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, has not been established in the medical literature.
1.3 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-Dec-1993
• Technical Committee: F30 - Emergency Medical Services
• Drafting Committee: F30.01 - EMS Equipment

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM F1555-94(2002) - Standard Guide for Characteristics for Extremity Splints
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1994

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: F 1555 – 94
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 3. Terminology
1.1 This guide covers minimum standards for devices, 3.1 Definitions:
designated here as extremity splint(s) (ES), commonly known 3.1.1 extremity(ies)—limb; arm or leg.
as splints. Extremity splints are designed to be used for the 3.1.2 extremity immobilization—immobilization of the in-
immobilization of an extremity by emergency medical service jury site and its contiguous proximal and distal joints or bones.
personnel. 3.1.3 retention system—a retention system is an adjunct to,
1.2 This guide does not identify specific degrees of limita- or an integral part of a device that allows the device to be
tion of motion achieved by placement of a extrication device securely attached to the patient, used in whatever configuration
(ED) on a patient. Definitive requirements for immobilization and size necessary to accomplish the goal, while still allowing
of extremities in the out of hospital environment, and, in reasonable and necessary access to the patient.
particular, the degree of limitation associated with the use of an 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
ED in the out of hospital setting, has not been established in the 3.2.1 directions of movement—movements include flexion,
medical literature. extension, rotation, distraction, lateral motion, and axial com-
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the pression motion.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.2.2 extremity splint—a device that can be secured to the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- extremity that will maintain the position and limit motion of
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- the extremity.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.2.3 immobilization—limitation of motion.
3.2.4 pneumatic devices—devices utilizing air pressure or
2. Referenced Documents
vacuum to limit the motion of an extremity.
2.1 ASTM Standards: 3.2.5 traction device—a device that aligns the extremity and
F 1177 Terminology Relating to Emergency Medical Ser-
limits its motion.
vices 3.3 For definitions of other terms used in this guide, refer to
2.2 Centers for Disease Control Standard:
Terminology F 1177.
Guidelines for Prevention of Transmission of HIV and HBV
4. Significance and Use
to Healthcare and Public Safety Workers
2.3 OSHA Standard: 4.1 The intent of this guide is to identify characteristics that
29 CFR 1910.1030 Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne an ES should possess.
Pathogens; Final Rule 4.2 Varied clinical situations ma
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