Vacuum splint

A vacuum splint for maintaining a person in an immobilized state includes a flexible airtight casing upon which a patient is placed. The casing has an internal chamber that contains a large number of beads. Valves are provided to develop a vacuum within the chamber to convert the casing from a relatively soft, flexible state to a rigid, evacuated state. A semi-rigid member spans the length of the vacuum splint that resists longitudinal compression when air is evacuated from the chamber. The semi-rigid member also retains sufficient longitudinal and lateral flexibility such that it allows the vacuum splint to be molded to various patient positions and folded or rolled up when not in an evacuated state. The head end of the vacuum splint includes two protrusions that extend upward. When in an evacuated state, these protrusions extend over either side of a patient's head thereby providing support and protection.