MED-TAC International's Immobilization collection covers the full range of tactical and EMS immobilization devices: cervical collars, SAM splints, pelvic binders, spine boards, vacuum splints, and traction splints. Proper immobilization prevents secondary injury during casualty transport — a critical component of TCCC and prehospital trauma care. Clinician-founded, SDVOSB-certified.
What Immobilization Devices Are Essential for Tactical and EMS Use?
Immobilization in tactical and prehospital care serves to prevent worsening of musculoskeletal and spinal injuries during movement and transport. The TCCC and PHTLS frameworks address specific immobilization scenarios: extremity fractures (SAM splints, traction splints), suspected pelvic fractures (pelvic binders), suspected cervical spine injury (rigid cervical collars), and prolonged transport scenarios requiring vacuum mattress immobilization. The Joint Trauma System CPGs note that in tactical environments, judicious immobilization must be balanced against operational movement requirements — over-immobilization that prevents self-extrication or adds significant weight may not be appropriate for combat applications. The Casualty EVAC Equipment collection covers litters and transport aids used alongside immobilization devices.
Immobilization Device Comparison
| Device |
Primary Use |
Key Products |
Setting |
| Cervical Collar |
C-spine stabilization |
Ambu Perfit ACE, Laerdal Stifneck |
EMS, hospital transfer, tactical (selective) |
| SAM Splint |
Extremity fracture immobilization |
SAM Splint 36", SAM Splint 18" |
Tactical, wilderness, EMS, IFAK supplement |
| Pelvic Binder |
Unstable pelvic fracture compression |
SAM Pelvic Sling II, T-POD |
Trauma, MVC, blast injury |
| Vacuum Splint |
Conforming immobilization for complex fractures |
Ferno Vacuum Splints |
EMS, prolonged transport |
| Traction Splint |
Femur fracture reduction and immobilization |
Sager Emergency Traction Splint, Hare |
EMS, trauma, prolonged field care |
| Spine Board |
Full spinal immobilization, patient packaging |
Miller Board, Ferno Scoop Stretcher |
EMS, rescue, hospital transfer |
When Is a Pelvic Binder Indicated in Trauma?
Pelvic fractures — particularly open-book (anteroposterior compression) injuries — can cause life-threatening hemorrhage into the retroperitoneal space with blood loss of 1,500–4,000 mL. ACS ATLS guidelines and JTS CPGs recommend pelvic binder application for: suspected pelvic fracture based on mechanism (high-energy impact, falls from height, MVC with significant intrusion); pelvic instability on physical exam; hypotension without identified source; or blast injury with pelvic involvement. The binder applies circumferential compression at the level of the greater trochanters to close the pelvic ring and reduce the volume available for bleeding. The SAM Pelvic Sling II and T-POD are both widely used pelvic binder options. Apply immediately and do not remove until surgical or interventional radiology control is confirmed.
SAM Splints in Tactical Kits — Why Carry Them?
The SAM Splint's lightweight aluminum core wrapped in foam allows it to be shaped to any anatomy and conforming to any extremity — it can splint a wrist, forearm, ankle, or improvise a cervical immobilizer. Weighing approximately 85 grams for a standard 36" splint, it adds minimal pack weight to a TACMED backpack kit or Prolonged Field Care loadout. In wilderness and austere environments where evacuation may take hours or days, fracture immobilization significantly reduces patient pain and prevents neurovascular compromise during transport. Pair SAM splints with elastic bandages from the Bandages & Dressings collection for complete fracture packaging.
Complete Your Trauma and EVAC Loadout
Immobilization + patient movement gear — the complete package for casualty transport from point of injury to definitive care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has routine cervical spine immobilization changed in recent EMS guidelines?+
Yes. The National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP), ACS, and NEXUS criteria have shifted guidelines toward selective spinal immobilization rather than routine collar application for all trauma patients. Evidence shows that routine collar application in alert, low-risk patients adds transport time and patient discomfort without meaningful benefit. Current best practice uses clinical criteria (altered mental status, midline pain/tenderness, distracting injury, intoxication, neurological deficit) to identify patients who require immobilization. TCCC guidelines similarly de-emphasize routine spinal immobilization in tactical environments unless neurological deficit is present.
How does a traction splint help femur fractures?+
Femur fractures cause significant muscle spasm as the powerful thigh muscles contract around the broken bone, which shortens the limb and increases pain while allowing the bone ends to damage surrounding vessels. A traction splint applies counterbalancing tension to restore the femur's anatomical length, relaxing the muscle spasm, reducing the space available for internal hemorrhage (up to 1,500 mL can collect in a closed femur fracture), and providing significant pain relief. The Sager and Hare traction splints are the most widely used devices. Traction splints are not appropriate for open fractures with significant soft tissue injury or suspected knee/ankle injury.
Can vacuum splints be reused after patient use?+
Vacuum splints are reusable devices. After patient use, the outer cover should be cleaned with an appropriate medical disinfectant per the manufacturer's recommendations. Inspect the inner bladder for punctures or valve damage before reuse — a compromised bladder will not maintain negative pressure. Re-inflate the bladder using the provided pump to restore the granular fill distribution before storage. Most vacuum splints have a multi-year service life with proper maintenance. Replace if the outer cover is torn or the valve system fails to hold vacuum.
Where should a pelvic binder be placed — on the iliac crests or greater trochanters?+
Pelvic binders should be centered at the level of the greater trochanters — not the iliac crests. Placement at the trochanters applies circumferential compression to the pelvic ring where it is most effective at reducing pelvic volume. Placement at the iliac crests is a common application error that can actually open the posterior pelvic ring and increase bleeding. The SAM Pelvic Sling II has anatomical markings to guide correct placement. Center the buckle over the pubic symphysis and apply firm lateral compression before securing.
What is a SAM splint and what can it improvise besides extremity splints?+
The SAM Splint is a moldable aluminum/foam splint that can be shaped into anatomically appropriate configurations for any extremity. Beyond standard fracture splinting, it can be folded into a rigid arch for high-arched foot injuries, used as an improvised cervical collar, shaped into a finger splint, or used as padding and support in litter-based patient packaging. Its radiolucency means it does not need to be removed for X-ray. The 36" version is the standard; the 18" is appropriate for wrist/distal forearm and pediatric lower-extremity applications.
Related Collections
All products sourced from the actual brand manufacturer or authorized master distributors. CoTCCC recommendation status verified where applicable. Ships from MED-TAC International, Pembroke Pines, FL — clinician-founded, veteran-led, SDVOSB-certified.
