I spent seven years in the U.S. Army as a combat medic.  For many of those years we utilized basswood or wire ladder splints to immobilize musculoskeletal injuries in the field.  Although they were lightweight, they were difficult to store and not useful in all applications.  In the late 80's we were issued our first SAM splints and it changed field medical care forever.

The SAM splint was invented by Dr. Sam Scheinberg.  Dr. Scheinberg was a trauma surgeon during the Vietnam War and found that the issued splints were often ignored by the field medics.  Upon returning to the U.S., he worked as an orthopedic surgeon in Oregon and created the SAM splint based on an idea he got while playing with a foil chewing gum wrapper.

The strength of the SAM splint lies in its ability to be formed into curves.  The most common curve you can use with the SAM splint is the 'gutter' curve.  Form the 'gutter' curve lengthwise and then bend it in half to form a 'stirrup' or 'tong' shape.  In this configuration, you can splint most injuries found in the field.  Secure the splint with tape or other material.  Here are some examples:

• forearm splint
• wrist splint
• upper arm splint
• ankle splint
• knee immobilizer

Because the SAM splint is moldable and can be cut with ordinary scissors, it can also be used in these cases:

• finger/thumb splint
• cervical collar
• rolled into a tube, it can be used as a whole leg splint
  

Additional benefits of the SAM splint:

• waterproof
• lightweight and compact
• can be rolled or folded for easy storage
• radiolucent (does not have to be removed for x-rays)
• secures with tape or other material
• not affected by temperature or altitude
• reusable

Just because the SAM splint was designed as a medical device, it has other uses in the field as well.  These are the ones I am most familiar with:

• The SAM basin - form the SAM splint into a cylindrical ring and secure the ends with tape.  Take a plastic tarp or garbage bag and line the ring creating a bowl.  Useful for bathing or cleaning a wound.
• The SAM snow shovel - fold the SAM splint in half and roll one end into a cylinder.  Now you should have a flat, spade-like surface with a decent handle to hold onto.  It should be strong enough for most wet, heavy snow.

As you can see, the SAM splint is probably one of the most versatile items you can carry in your backpack or medical kit.  Don't leave home without it!