Hi Rowley
I've used the KTD in the training environment (Mark Forrest's ATACC course
in the NW www.anaesthetic-trauma.org) but never in the field.
The advantages are the remarkably small size and light weight, useful for
car or motorcycle based responders or for remote/hostile environments - I
believe they are gaining popularity with the military for this reason.
At first acquaintance the device looks and feels quite flimsy but it is
constructed (apparently) of aircraft grade alloy and repeated usage during
training has not thrown up any reliability issues thus far.
Can't comment on efficacy but subjectively, having had Donway, Sager and KTD
fitted to me in quick succession it certainly feels able to exert similar
levels of traction, especially if a spare pair of hands can bow the alloy
strut before the straps are tightened. It is adjustable to a wide range of
sizes from paediatric through to adult - it fits me at 6'5". It is very
quick and easy to apply with little, if any, maintenance required.
My personal opinion is that it does have its place in the right setting. If
you decide to give it a try I'd be interested to hear back on your
experiences in the field.
Hope this helps. Best wishes.
Ian
Ian Todd
Clinical Effectiveness Manager
Warwickshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust
-----Original Message-----
From: Accident and Emergency Academic List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Rowley Cottingham
Sent: 23 January 2003 22:13
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: A real topic - traction splints
I used to be very keen on the Donway traction splint, but they have proved
quite fragile with time and need
quite a lot of maintenance. I have become more enamoured of the Sagar
traction splint now I can work it as
it is a very slim and easy to use piece of kit. It does still have its
limitations, though, primarily that it cannot
be used in the presence of pelvic fracture.
I have been pointed towards the Kendrick traction device, or KTD, on the
http://www.medixchoice.com/
website. It has the advantage of being very cheap, but it looks rather like
half a Thomas splint. Has anyone
used one? Is it any good?
Best wishes,
Rowley Cottingham
[log in to unmask]
http://www.emergencyunit.com
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