London - Two UK companies have worked together to develop an easy-to-use, disposable orthopaedic splint, made with polyurethane-impregnated material.
Design and technology consultancy Cambridge Design Partnership and medical technology start-up Flexycast Ltd developed ResQSplint to help first responders to quickly and effectively stabilise limb injuries .
Currently, first aid limb splints are bulky and often ill-equipped to deal with the full variety of limb injuries that present to emergency care teams, according to Cambridge Design Partnership. ResQsplint is a compact, adaptable, single-use splint that significantly improves the immobilisation of the injured limb as well as reduces pain and collateral damage to the limb tissues.
When a limb injury occurs, the splint can be removed from its protective pack, activated by squeezing and then gently formed around the broken limb, securing it in place with Velcro ties. Within a few minutes the splint automatically hardens supporting the limb ready to transport the patient to hospital, CDP said.
The ResQsplint concept was invented by British orthopaedic surgeon Charles Stacey. "After years of working in A&E, pre-hospital care and disaster relief, it was clear that there was a need for a better splinting solution. The initial treatment of a fracture plays a crucial role in the outcome for the patient," explained Stacey.
CDP said that the splints ease-of-use means that it could potentially open up the market beyond the recognised emergency services: sports venues and work-places could both benefit from having ResQsplint as part of their standard first aid kit to minimise the risk of further injury after a limb fracture has occurred. The two companies are currently seeking potential licensees for the technology.
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