How to Splint a Fractured Rib in the Wilderness

Splinting a fractured rib not only reduces pain, but also helps minimize the risk of puncturing a lung.

Instructions

    • 1

      Assess for fracture (see "How to Assess for Fracture").

    • 2

      Immobilize the injury: Any movement is not only very painful but can worsen the injury.

    • 3

      Tape the broken rib: Run a strip of athletic tape along the rib from the midline of the chest to just past the spine in back.

    • 4

      Run four more strips of tape parallel and adjacent to the first one: two on each side of the first strip.

    • 5

      Put the arm on the side of the fracture into a sling and swathe (see "How to Make a Sling for an Injured Arm").

    • 6

      Continue with further treatment for the fracture (see related eHows on treating fractures).