Written and maintained by CASRAI Editorial Board
Last updated
This checklist is for people who stock, check or specify a splint kit and want to know what belongs in it, in what size, and with what padding. It is general product information, not medical advice, and it does not describe how to apply a splint. For what a splint is and the main types, see What Is a Splint?.
Purpose and setting
A splint kit is a set of non-inflatable external splints, with padding and a carrying case, held ready for immobilising a limb. Kits turn up in first aid cabinets, vehicles, athletic training rooms and clinics. The contents below draw on a first aid supply standard (ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021, as reproduced in a college safety list), the OSHA first aid duty, and one manufacturer’s published kit specification. Where a list reflects one maker’s kit it is labelled “typical”, not a requirement.
In FDA’s device classification, the extremity splint category used for a roll splint is product code NOC, “Splint, Extremity, Non-Inflatable, External, Non-Sterile”. The AccessGUDID record for a 36 in SAM Medical roll splint (checked 2026-10-30) lists it as not packaged as sterile, not requiring sterilization before use, not single use, and exempt from premarket submission.
Checklist table
Quantities are the ANSI minimum where one exists and otherwise the typical quantity in the named manufacturer kit. Sizes are as published by those sources.
Splints
| Item | Quantity guidance | Why | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General-purpose splint | ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021: Class A 0, Class B 1 | Minimum-supply list for first aid kits | Minimum size shown in the college’s copy of the table as about 4 x 24 in (10.2 x 61 cm) |
| Roll splint | Typical: 1 or more | A single flat length that is shaped to the limb | The SAM Medical record in AccessGUDID describes a “36IN ROLL”; it is not sterile |
| Leg splints, large and small | Typical: 1 of each (Adult Extremity Kit 5800-51) | Pre-formed lower-limb support | Bound Tree lists 43.5 x 19.5 in (large) and 37 x 19 in (small) |
| Arm splints, large and small | Typical: 1 of each (Adult Extremity Kit 5800-51) | Pre-formed upper-limb support | Bound Tree lists arm splints at 27 x 13 in (large) and 24 x 13 in (adult) |
| Wrist/forearm splint | Typical: 1 | Smaller upper-limb piece | 13 x 10.25 in |
| Combo (elbow/ankle) splint | Typical: 1 | One shape for two joints | 25 x 11 in |
| Rib swath | Typical: 1, in the Adult Original Kit 5800-50 only | Chest support piece | 30 x 9 in |
Padding and accessories
| Item | Quantity guidance | Why | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absorbent padding layer: cotton cloth, cast padding or stockinette | One layer per splint used | SAM says something absorbent should be worn with its splint | Manufacturer statement for the SAM Splint |
| Cervical collars, small and medium hard | Typical: 1 of each, in the Adult Original Kit 5800-50 only | Neck support accessory | Pediatric Kit 5800-52 lists a pediatric collar |
| Carrying case | 1 | Keeps the pieces together | Bound Tree says ProSplint kits come in a ballistic nylon bag with handle |
| Tourniquet | ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021: Class A 0, Class B 1 | Listed beside the splint in the same table | Minimum width 1.5 in (3.8 cm); a separate item, not part of a splint |
Splint roll versus pre-formed splints
A splint roll is sold as one length, such as the 36 in SAM Medical roll in AccessGUDID. Pre-formed foam splints, such as the ProSplint pieces in the table, come in fixed sizes by body part; Bound Tree describes the foam as “Minicell foam which is thin and shock absorbent”. Related rigid options are covered in finger splint types and plaster bandage.
Splint padding: what goes between splint and skin
The manufacturer sources checked give one statement on padding, for the SAM Splint: something absorbent should be worn with it, and the maker names a cotton cloth, cast padding or stockinette as options. Tape that touches skin is a separate topic; see buddy tape materials and padding.
What varies by facility type
The ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021 table has two classes. Class A lists no splint; Class B lists one splint and one tourniquet. Which class a workplace chooses is a decision for whoever sets the kit policy. Manufacturer kits also differ by user: the Adult Extremity Kit adds arm, leg, wrist and combo pieces, the Adult Original Kit adds a rib swath and hard collars, and the Pediatric Kit lists child combo, leg, arm and wrist splints, a pediatric collar and a case.
Storage, expiry and restocking
A non-sterile splint has no sterile barrier to keep intact (AccessGUDID record, checked 2026-10-30). For reuse, the SAM Splint support article (checked 2026-10-30) says the splint should be cleaned with antiseptic soap and water and disinfected before repacking or reuse. Keeping the pieces in the carrying case is the manufacturer-kit arrangement. Check the labelling that comes with each product for any other storage or dating instruction.
Standards or rules that apply
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151(b): “Adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available.” The rule does not name splints or a table of items (osha.gov, checked 2026-10-30).
- ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021, Table 1: splint Class A 0, Class B 1; tourniquet Class A 0, Class B 1. Figures here are from a college first aid supply list that reproduces the table (csn.edu, checked 2026-10-30); the standard itself should be checked for the controlling text.
- FDA product code NOC: extremity splint, non-inflatable, external, non-sterile; premarket submission exempt for the listed SAM Medical device (AccessGUDID, checked 2026-10-30).
For a general first aid kit with no splint row, see items inside a first aid kit. Splints and related emergency supplies are also sold in the emergency and trauma supplies category.
FAQ
What is in a splint kit?
Typically splints sized for the arm, leg and wrist, padding and a carrying case. In Bound Tree’s Adult Extremity Kit 5800-51 that means small and large leg splints, small and large arm splints, a wrist/forearm splint, a combo splint and a case (checked 2026-10-30).
Is padding part of a splint kit?
For the SAM Splint, the manufacturer says something absorbent should be worn with it, and names cotton cloth, cast padding or stockinette as options.
Are splints sterile?
The SAM Medical splint record in AccessGUDID lists it as non-sterile and not requiring sterilization before use.
Is a splint required in a first aid kit?
OSHA only requires adequate first aid supplies to be readily available. In ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021 as reproduced by a college list, a splint is listed for Class B kits (quantity 1) and not for Class A.
Sources
- SAM Medical / Performance Health support article, SAM Splint: https://support.performancehealth.com/support/solutions/articles/69000744366-sam-splint (checked 2026-10-30)
- NLM AccessGUDID, device 00822045000728: https://accessgudid.nlm.nih.gov/devices/00822045000728 (checked 2026-10-30)
- Bound Tree Medical, ProSplint kits: https://boundtree.com/kits/immobilization-kits/prosplint-kits/p/group000348 (checked 2026-10-30)
- OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.151: https://osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.151 (checked 2026-10-30)
- College of Southern Nevada, first aid kit minimum required supplies list reproducing ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021 Table 1: https://csn.edu/sites/default/files/documents/environmental-health-and-safety/csn-first-aid-kits-minimum-required-supplies-list_acsbl.pdf (checked 2026-10-30)
