Inflatable splints are used to immobilise, or keep still, and protect an injury such as a broken arm or leg.
Inflatable splints come in different shapes and sizes and are stored deflated in a small bag in the ambulance. If a patient has an injury that needs to be protected, the paramedic can place the splint on the limb and then use a small hand pump to inflate the splint.
This creates a large air balloon around the limb and offers it some protection from moving or knocking it.