ASTM_F_1555_-_94_2015.pdf

Designation:F155594(Reapproved 2015)Standard Guide forCharacteristics for Extremity Splints1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1555;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.INTRODUCTIONThe objective of this guide is to begin to address the recognized need to support and immobilize theinjured extremity.Although this guide does not quantitatively address performance standards for thisdevice,it does address the characteristics of the device(s)used to provide support and immobilizationof the extremities in a patient suspected of receiving trauma to that portion of the body.1.Scope1.1 This guide covers minimum standards for devices,designated here as extremity splint(s)(ES),commonly knownas splints.Extremity splints are designed to be used for theimmobilization of an extremity by emergency medical servicepersonnel.1.2 This guide does not identify specific degrees of limita-tion of motion achieved by placement of a extrication device(ED)on a patient.Definitive requirements for immobilizationof extremities in the out of hospital environment,and,inparticular,the degree of limitation associated with the use of anED in the out of hospital setting,have not been established inthe medical literature.1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2F1177 Terminology Relating to Emergency Medical Ser-vices2.2 Centers for Disease Control Standard:Guidelines for Prevention of Transmission of HIV and HBVto Healthcare and Public Safety Workers32.3 OSHA Standard:29 CFR 1910.1030 Occupational Exposure to BloodbornePathogens;Final Rule43.Terminology3.1 Definitions:3.1.1 extremity(ies)limb;arm or leg.3.1.2 extremity immobilizationimmobilization of the in-jury site and its contiguous proximal and distal joints or bones.3.1.3 retention systema retention system is an adjunct to,or an integral part of a device that allows the device to besecurely attached to the patient,used in whatever configurationand size necessary to accomplish the goal,while still allowingreasonable and necessary access to the patient.3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.2.1 directions of movementmovements include flexion,extension,rotation,distraction,lateral motion,and axial com-pression motion.3.2.2 extremity splinta device that can be secured to theextremity that will maintain the position and limit motion ofthe extremity.3.2.3 immobilizationlimitation of motion.3.2.4 pneumatic devicesdevices utilizing air pressure orvacuum to limit the motion of an extremity.1This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F30 on EmergencyMedical Services and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F30.01 on EMSEquipment.Current edition approved June 1,2015.Published July 2015.Originally approvedin 1994.Last previous edition approved in 2007 as F1555 94(2007).DOI:10.1520/F1555-94R15.2For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information,refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.3Available from Centers for Disease Control&Prevention(CDC),1600 CliftonRd.,Atlanta,GA 30333,http:/www.cdc.gov.4Available from Superintendent of Documents,U.S.Government PrintingOffice,Washington,DC 20402.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 3.2.5 traction devicea device that aligns the extremity andlimits its motion.3.3 For definitions of other terms used in this guide,refer toTerminology F1177.4.Significance and Use4.1 The intent of this guide is to identify characteristics thatan ES should possess.4.2 Varied clinical situations may require differing combi-nations of devices for adequate extremity immobilization,including traction or pneumatic devices,or both.4.3 A device intended for use with adult patients shallaccommodate the 95th percentile adult American male.4.4 Devices that are labeled as intended for pediatric useshall not be required to accommodate adult patients.5.Capability5.1 The ES shall allow for the use of adjunct devices asnecessary such that immobilization is provided in the planes ofmotion as noted in 3.2.1.5.2 Traction splints should facilitate full orthopedic andvascular assessment.6.Durability6.1 The ES shall maintain stated characteristics throughoutits lifetime as indicated by manufacturers recommendations.7.Maintenance7.1 The ES shall be disposable,or easily cleaned,consistentwith CDC and OSHA decontaminati