If an ankle hitch is missing for a traction splint, what is an acceptable alternative?

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The idea is to have a secure way to attach traction when the dedicated ankle hitch isn’t available. A triangle bandage works well because it’s padded, adjustable, and designed to be tied securely around the ankle or foot. You can wrap the bandage around the foot or ankle and use it to form a loop that attaches to the traction splint, allowing controlled traction to be applied without the device.

This option distributes pressure more evenly than a bare rope, reducing skin injury, and it’s a common item in EMS kits, so it’s readily available in an emergency. Other improvised options—like rope, a belt, or a cloth strap—tend to be less secure, harder to tie safely, or can dig into the skin and slip, making them less reliable for maintaining consistent traction.