[SagSert]

This time I only have 2 issues;

What is a SAM Splint the pharmacy I went to has never heard of such thing.

Does anybody really think I'm gonna let someone cut my seatbelts instead of simply unbuckling them.

I can't find an official seatbelt cutter so is it OK to strap a machete to the cage and label it "SeatbeltCutterCutter"

Guys this is getting ridiculous already.

Cheers

M.Samli

Vive le Prole-le-ralliat

 

[Rallymedik]

A "SAM" slint is the 21 century of what we used to use as "Chicken wire" it is a moldable splint...they actually work pretty well on angulated fractures..:+ and basic trauma shears will sufice for seat belt cutters...and yes you are right..if anyone cuts the belts before tring to unbuckle them..we will have issues!

 

[SagSert]

Thanks for the clarification.
However, hypothetically speaking, say I rolled in the middle of a stage far from the EMT and broke my arm, why would I let someone unqualified try to put my arm in a SAM splint so that I can end up with an arm that looks like a "Medium Left Over Crest" just because I have a SAM sling in my First Aid Kit. If it is my perogative to let him use it or not and I decide against it, why should I bother carrying it with me knowing that theoratically the EMT would have it ?

FAIR WARNING, IF YOU ARE NOT QUALIFIED, STAY AWAY FROM MY SAM SPLINT WHEN YOU SEE ME WITH A BROKEN LIMB OR I'LL USE MY SEATBELTCUTTERCUTTER ON YOU !

There is something wrong in this whole deal and one day we'll figure out what it is.

Cheers

M.Samli

Vive le Prole-le-ralliat

 

[Guest]

The seat belt cutter sounds a little over the top. If the release doesn't function, you have to cut through 5 or 6 belts, after locating the cutter. Never mind the fact that the entire kit fell out of reach when you opened it because your car is upside down, or sideways, or sinking.

Maybe the cutters should be required to be on a tether, like one of those retractable keychains?

I do like splints, though. Splints are self applicable, and beat the heck out of trying to hold whatever body part is broken or severly sprained in place until it's stabilized properly.

I have extensive experience with this, unfortunately.

Broken pelvis.
Broken ankle.
Broken finger.
Torn ligaments in wrist
Distal radius and ulna fracture


Maybe I should consider purchasing 2 of these splints?

matt

 

[cs]

I got my Sam at: http://store.yahoo.com/karst/71113.html

I hope I won't hurt your feelings, but if you have a complete fracture of your forearm just below you elbow, God forbid, you'll beg for a splint, specially if you're upside down and smelling fuel.

Just don't ask how do I know.

The belt cutter can be useful if somebody is compressed between the panel and whatever came from the back. If nobody can reach the buckle, I'm sure you won't object to have the belt cut. However, the required pair scissors are,IMHO, way easier to use. (harborfreight.com has the cutter for cheap).

Later, and really hoping that we all never have to use these things.

CS.

 

[mayhem83]

>
>The seat belt cutter sounds a little over the top. If the
>release doesn't function, you have to cut through 5 or 6
>belts, after locating the cutter. Never mind the fact that
>the entire kit fell out of reach when you opened it because
>your car is upside down, or sideways, or sinking.

That's one of the cool things about Velcro and race seats. I have been carrying a seat belt cutter in my rally car for years. the seat belt cutters I have are plastic and very light. I put a strip of adhesive backed Velcro on the cutters and stuck one to each seat. Now each the driver and co have a cutter well within their reach at any time and any orientation.

Mark Utecht

 

[jblewis]

And as I see it, the seatbelt cutter in the First Aid kit is like the fire bottles we carry: they are meant for use on someone elses car.

And if you are still looking for a seatbelt cutter try this [a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=seat+belt+cutter"]Google Search[/a]

JBLewis

 

[wvonkessler]

I've got the Harbor Freight deal (under $5.00). It is a window hammer/belt cutter combination, with its own fancy bracket. It will be mounted within easy reach (probably on the tranny hump) of driver and co-driver.

Wilson

 

[CJPUTZIER]

You can get a belet cutter from any fire/rescue/ police supply place . Like 4.00 or 5.00 bucks. CHRIS PUTZIER

 

[mgpsmith]

Another good use for a SAM splint is to stabilize a neck.

If you are the next car on a scene of a crash in which driver/codriver are still strapped in and less than fully responsive, leave the helmet on, form the SAM into a collar and wrap it around the injured's neck. Not perfect but certainly better than an unprotected but potentially broken cervical spine. Broken/displaced limbs and joints hurt. Broken/displaced C-spine can mean paralysis or worse. Protect the neck.

 

[RichardM]

>Another good use for a SAM splint is to stabilize a neck.
>
>If you are the next car on a scene of a crash in which
>driver/codriver are still strapped in and less than fully
>responsive, leave the helmet on, form the SAM into a collar
>and wrap it around the injured's neck. Not perfect but
>certainly better than an unprotected but potentially broken
>cervical spine. Broken/displaced limbs and joints hurt.
>Broken/displaced C-spine can mean paralysis or worse.
>Protect the neck.
You wouldn't be a doctor or something would you?

Thanks for the good advice Dr. Smith.

 

[jeffy]

I would agree some of this IS over the top, welcome to the free new world (damn lawyers).
I have however used belt cutters (on a Formula Ford)and am happy my driver sees fit to have them.
- besides, you can use them to ward off bears & wolfs in the northwoods if you need too

 

[Bruce]

>I would agree some of this IS over the top, welcome to the
>free new world (damn lawyers).

Hey! This stuff was proposed by a DOCTOR...pick on them for awhile

>I have however used belt cutters (on a Formula Ford)and am
>happy my driver sees fit to have them.

As a corner worker, I always have belt cutters handy. Fortunately, I've never had to use them, but I've seen them used.

>- besides, you can use them to ward off bears & wolfs in the
>northwoods if you need too

Not to mention an irate driver when you just missed a call big time...

Bruce

 

[RallyGTX]

I saw a first aid kit in a 'waist pack' at tech inspection for DooWops and really liked the way they had it put in the car.

Basically it was wrapped around the bars of the cage where the belts attach and it was very accessible, but still out of the way.

Anyone know where to get one like that with all the 'relevant' stuff in it ???

I'd better be unconscious if someone comes toward me with a belt cutter. It's just as easy to drop me on my head by releasing them, so save me the replacement cost.

I think we could leave that one out and still be plenty 'safe'

Matt Manspeaker
Seattle, WA USA
89 323GTX - Open

 

[Rick277]

>I saw a first aid kit in a 'waist pack' at tech inspection
>for DooWops and really liked the way they had it put in the
>car.
>
>Basically it was wrapped around the bars of the cage where
>the belts attach and it was very accessible, but still out
>of the way.
>
>Anyone know where to get one like that with all the
>'relevant' stuff in it ???

I *think* the kit you're refering to was from R.E.I.
And I think it had everything required (except belt cutter )

 

[RallyGTX]

Perfect !!!

Thanks Rick

Matt Manspeaker
Seattle, WA USA
89 323GTX - Open