How does a SAM Splint work?

It bends into curves that make it much stronger and more supportive, per SAM Medical.

What size SAM Splint should I buy?

SAM Medical sells 4, 9, 18 and 36 inch sizes; choose by the body part you expect to splint.

Should I straighten an injured limb before splinting?

No. MedlinePlus says splint it in the position it was found.

Can a SAM Splint be reused?

SAM Medical describes it as reusable with a cleanable exterior.

Home / First aid

SAM splint: how a moldable first aid splint works, and which size

By the Life in Good Form editors. Updated 2026-10-15.

We research products from makers' specs and health sources; we do not run hands-on tests. Links to Amazon may earn us a commission at no cost to you. How this works.

Quick answerA SAM Splint is a thin, bendable splint that becomes stiff when you shape it into a curve. SAM Medical says it is lightweight, reusable, radiolucent and cleanable, in sizes from a 4 inch finger splint to 36 inch large and XL. To splint an injury, MedlinePlus says to care for any wound first, splint the part in the position found, include the joint above and below, secure it without tying too tight, check often for swelling, paleness or numbness, and get medical help right away.

Our picks at a glance

SAM Splint, 36 inch. Best for: Home, car and hiking first aid kits. See options on Amazon
Moldable first aid splint kit, multiple sizes. Best for: Covering fingers through forearms. See options on Amazon

Compare the picks and what to watch out for

What a SAM Splint is

SAM Medical says its SAM Splint bends into any simple curve, becoming much stronger and more supportive once curved. It lists the splint as lightweight, reusable, radiolucent (it shows little on X-rays) and with a cleanable exterior, and says it is used by emergency care providers, outdoor enthusiasts and the U.S. military.

Generic moldable first aid splints sold online use a similar flat, bendable design. For a small aluminum splint made just for fingers, see our metal finger splint guide.

Sizes

Size	Length	Format
Finger	4 inch	Flat or folded
Small	9 inch	Flat or folded
Medium	18 inch	Flat or folded
Large	36 inch	Flat/folded or rolled
XL	36 inch	Flat or folded

Sizes are from SAM Medical's product listing; the rolled version comes only in the 36 inch size. Pick the length that fits the body part you are most likely to splint, or keep more than one size. SAM Medical also sells a user guide with illustrated instructions for more than 15 splint applications.

How to splint an injury

MedlinePlus gives these first aid steps:

Care for wounds first. Rinse and cover any open wound before splinting.
Do not straighten it. Splint the injured part in the position it was found, and do not realign it.
Include joints. Extend the splint beyond the injury, including the joint above and below if possible.
Pad it well so the splint does not put extra pressure on the limb.
Secure it above and below the injury with ties, cloth strips or tape, keeping knots off the injury and not too tight.
Check often for swelling, paleness or numbness, and loosen the splint if needed.

If the injury hurts more after splinting, MedlinePlus says remove the splint and seek medical help right away.

Common SAM Splint applications

SAM Medical's quick reference guide starts with basic bends, making curves for strength, then shows specific applications, including:

Hand and wrist: ulnar gutter, volar or wrist splint, double layer wrist, thumb spica, and a finger or fingertip guard.
Arm: humeral shaft or upper arm, and dislocated elbow.
Leg: knee immobilizer, ankle stirrup, single long leg, double long leg, and combination ankle and figure-8 wraps.
Neck: an adjustable cervical collar.

Several of these, especially neck and long leg applications, are worth practicing in a first aid class before you need them. MedlinePlus advises not moving a person with a possible head, neck or back injury when you can avoid it, so call for help in those cases. Secure arm and leg splints with an elastic or cohesive wrap; see our elastic bandage wrap guide and cohesive bandage guide.

No splint? Improvise

MedlinePlus says rigid supports such as sticks, boards or even rolled-up newspapers can be used, or a rolled blanket or clothing if nothing rigid is available. An injured finger can be taped to the finger next to it, which is called buddy taping. MedlinePlus also notes that if medical help is not available and an injured limb looks abnormally bent and pale, gently placing it back into its normal position may improve circulation; otherwise, do not realign it. To be ready, keep a splint in your first aid kit or travel kit for hiking and remote trips.

When to get medical help

MedlinePlus says to seek medical help right away for a bone sticking through the skin, an open wound around the injury, loss of feeling, loss of pulse or warmth at the injured site, or fingers and toes that turn blue and lose sensation. In a remote area, call for emergency help as soon as possible and give first aid in the meantime. A splint is temporary support until a clinician can examine the injury.

To lower the risk of fractures from falls, MedlinePlus suggests protective gear such as proper footwear, pads, braces and a helmet, and avoiding long periods of activity that strain muscles or bones.

What to look for when you buy

SAM Splint, 36 inch

Best for: Home, car and hiking first aid kits

SAM Medical lists a lightweight, reusable, radiolucent splint that stiffens when curved.

Watch out: Pad well and do not secure it too tight.

See options on Amazon

Moldable first aid splint kit, multiple sizes

Best for: Covering fingers through forearms

Multi-size kits put smaller splints alongside a full-length one.

Watch out: Check sizes against your kit's needs.