Where was the Thomas Splint famously used and what was the impact?

• A. WW1 - Reduced the death rate from 80% to 20%
• B. WW2 - Reduced the death rate from 50% to 30%
• C. Crimean War - Lowered mortality by half
• D. Vietnam War - Improved overall survival

Answer: (A)

Immobilising a broken thigh is a game changer for survival, because a fractured femur bleeds a lot and movement can cause dangerous complications. The Thomas Splint was designed to keep the leg straight and the fracture aligned, so wounded soldiers could be moved safely and reach medical care more quickly. In World War I, its use meant many more men survived femoral fractures—the death rate dropped dramatically, from about 80% to around 20% for those treated with the splint. This big improvement is strongly associated with WWI care; later wars had other advances, but the standout impact of the Thomas Splint is its use in World War I.