Anyone who has ever broken or dislocated a finger might recognize aluminum splints immediately, as they are often used to stabilize fingers or toes after such injuries. The aluminum is usually padded for the patient's comfort, and depending on the thickness of the aluminum, the splint may be easily malleable to create various stabilization positions. Larger aluminum splints can be used for braces of other limbs; such braces are useful because they are lightweight and foldable, which means they can be carried in a backpack easily, and they are easy to mold into a specific shape to suit various needs.
Sometimes aluminum splints are designed for use with a specific joint or limb. A Colles splint, for example, is generally only used to splint the wrist, though it can be used in other applications if necessary. Such a splint will also be padded with closed cell foam or with a gel covering. Very often, the splint must be taped in place to prevent it from sliding or otherwise moving out of place. Finger splints, too, must usually be taped in place to provide the most adequate stabilization. Larger aluminum splints can be wrapped around on themselves; some may feature Velcro straps to stabilize the splints, while others may require medical tape as well.
It is often possible to cut the aluminum splints to size, since the aluminum and the padding material are both generally fairly thin. This allows for greater flexibility in applications. It also means a roll of aluminum splinting material can be purchased, thereby making storage and transportation exceptionally easy, not to mention application of the splint. Once the splint has been positioned, it can be cut to size and then taped in place around joints and limbs of the body. It is even possible to stabilize one limb against the other; for example, one finger can be splinted to a neighboring finger, or if a patient is being transported, one leg can be splinted to the other for added stability.
While they are not necessarily intended for this application, some broader aluminum splints that are padded with closed cell foam can be used as compresses to stop bleeding. The splint can be cut to size and pressed against a wound, and it can even be taped in place to act as a makeshift bandage. It is best to use other materials better suited for such applications, but if the person delivering first aid has no other alternatives, the splints can be used for such purposes.