Slishman Traction Splint (STS)

NSN# 6515-01-631-3182
NATO Stock Number: 6515-32-083-5266

Adopted by major EMS agencies including Fire Department of New York (FDNY), Boston EMS, Dallas Fire-Rescue and LA County Fire. 

Interested in our award-winning Slishman Traction Splints? Check out the STS-Compact >>

The STS was developed by Dr. Sam Slishman at the University of New Mexico to overcome many of the the operational difficulties of older traction splint designs. The innovative STS design has the traction mechanism positioned at the patient’s hip. Femur traction is applied through the extension of the pole segments creating a pushing force on the ankle strap instead of pulling distally from the foot. This innovative design change provides a number of outstanding benefits over conventional traction splints:

1. The STS Does Not Extend Beyond the Foot - The compact design of the STS won't jam up against ambulance doors or prevent you from placing patients into aircraft. When extricating or hoisting the splint stays safely contained within the board, litter or basket. No risk of striking the splint resulting in further injury or pain to the patient. 

2. Rapid Patient Application in Under 60 Seconds - The unique design of the STS makes it the fastest splint to apply. No poles to assemble or mechanisms to set up. No long transport delays. Four step application process is rapid and easy. 

3. The STS is Not Contraindicated in Lower Leg Injury or Amputation - While other traction splints are contraindicated with lower leg injury or amputation, the STS unique design allows the ankle strap to be alternately positioned proximal to the calf or patella. This allows femur traction to still be applied and leaves the lower leg accessible for other splinting or bandaging.

4. Lightweight and Compact - The STS weighs only 21 ounces and is 23” W x 3” H in size. It takes up little space in vehicles or aircraft and can easily be strapped to jump bags and backpacks. 

5. One Size Fits All - The STS works with both adults and peds. No need to carry two different splints. If your agency requires you to carry two traction splints, two STS splints can be carried for bi-lateral splinting of peds and adults.

6. Traction Mechanism Accessible During Transport - If traction adjustment is needed while enroute, the STS traction adjustment is accessible at the patient’s hip, not jammed up against the door or airframe at the
patient's foot. You can easily and quickly adjust traction for maximum patient comfort. 

7. Radiolucent - The STS is radiolucent and will not interfere with patient imaging or exam. No need to remove the splint. The STS can stay on a patient all the way to surgery. 

8. Five Year Warranty

"The STS had the best objective performance during testing and the highest subjective evaluation by participants. Along with its ability to be used in the setting of associated lower extremity amputation or trauma, this splint is the most suitable for battlefield use of the three devices tested."   -Evaluation of Commercially Available Traction Splints for Battlefield Use, Journal of Special Operations Medicine Volume 14, Edition 2/Summer 2014

Dimensions: 23" H x 3" W x 3" D (packaged)
Dimensions: 45.5" H x 0.75" Diameter (fully extended)
Weight: 1.32 lbs

Click here to download the Instructions for Use.

** Rescue Essentials will replace any Slishman Traction Splint used for training that suffers wear or breakage due to continuous use. Contact us if this occurs.

The splint comes in a zippered pouch, but an optional STS MOLLE Case is also available here. 

Looking for replacement parts? Find a variety of pieces here.

2014 study of 4 Different Traction Splints

A fascinating read on the history and current state of femoral traction splinting: The History of Traction Splinting

Ski Patrol Buyers: Check your NSP Catalog for the Slishman Traction Splint listing.

For a complete list of Distribution Partners please email info@rescue-essentials.com