Slishman Traction Splint Gen2 (STS Gen2)

The STS Gen2 carries forward every advantage of the original Slishman Traction Splint and adds the refinements developed for the Rescue Essentials STS Compact. It addresses the operational shortfalls of older traction splints and applies faster than any comparable device on the market, cutting on scene time and reducing patient discomfort during application.

The STS Gen2 requires no separate poles and no multistep assembly. A single provider can apply it in under 60 seconds.

Traction originates at the patient's hip rather than at the foot. Extending the pole segments pushes against the ankle or distal strap, replacing the distal pulling force used by conventional splints. This shifts the mechanical work away from the injury site and keeps the provider working close to the patient's torso.

At 17 ounces, the splint is compact enough to store without consuming significant space in a vehicle or aircraft. Once applied, it stays within the footprint of the board, litter or basket rather than extending past the patient's foot, which removes the risk of the splint catching a door strike during transport.

One unit serves both adult and pediatric patients, so agencies do not need to stock multiple sizes. Traction adjustment stays accessible throughout transport, and the radiolucent construction means providers do not need to remove the splint for imaging.

The Gen2 design connects all three segments of the extension mechanism into a single piece and attaches the distal and proximal straps directly to the mechanism, so they cannot be misplaced in the field. Application instructions are printed on the splint itself and included on a trifold card, and all pressure points carry padding.

Color coding distinguishes the components at a glance. The outer tube is black, the middle segment silver and the inner segment red. The groin strap is red and the included Slishman Pressure Wrap is orange. That wrap doubles as a means of securing rotational stability at the feet, giving the splint a secondary function beyond traction.

Application

Apply the distal hitch just proximal to the ankle, calf or patella. Set coarse positioning with the spring button to extend and lock the outer tube. Set fine traction by pulling the cord and locking it with a downward pull into the V notch. Because all traction control sits at the hip, adjustments can be made as the patient's condition changes or en route to the hospital.