A vacuum splint is characterized by?

• A. Solid wood frame
• B. Elastic wrap
• C. Moldable splint using suction
• D. Rigid plaster cast

Answer: (C)

A vacuum splint works by creating a mold that rigidly immobilizes the limb through suction. It uses a flexible vinyl shell filled with small beads; when the limb is placed inside and air is removed, the beads are drawn tightly around the contours of the body. This negative pressure makes the entire assembly stiff and stable, holding joints and bones in place. This moldable-to-rigid transformation is what sets it apart from other methods: it’s not a solid wooden frame, not simply an elastic wrap, and not a plaster cast. The result is a lightweight, quickly applied immobilizer that conforms to the injury and provides reliable stabilization.