For a dislocation, what must the splint do?

The correct answer emphasizes that the splint needs to extend along the entire length of the bone above and below the dislocation. This is essential because a dislocation involves the displacement of a bone from its normal joint position, which can cause instability in the surrounding structures. By splinting both above and below the dislocation, the splint provides adequate immobilization, reduces pain, and helps prevent further injury to soft tissues like muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Additionally, immobilizing the entire area ensures that the joint and associated bones are adequately stabilized during transportation, which is crucial in preventing complications like fractures or additional dislocations while also supporting the healing process once medical attention is sought. Effective splinting is fundamental in pre-hospital emergency care, as it contributes significantly to minimizing movement at the injury site and decreases the risk of exacerbating the injury.