Splintfest Master of Ceremonies!

Splintfest is pleased announce our Master of Ceremonies...a man who needs little introduction... Mr. Gabe Cruz! An MICP, Interim Supervisor, Paramedic Preceptor and NCTI Professor Extraordinaire, Mr. Cruz brings years of MC experience to Splintfest, as many of you remember him from such events as IVFest, BVMFest, and everyone's favorite, SpitsockFest.

A graduate of the Dick Clark Academy of Ceremony Officiating, Mr. Cruz brings an energy and excitement to Splintfest unlike anyone else.  Some say that Mr. Cruz actually MC'd his own birth from within the womb, while other reports have placed him in ancient Rome hosting the might gladiator battles in the Coliseum.  While the truth may never be fully known, what we do know is that Mr. Cruz will make Splintfest a monumental event for the ages.

A Great Cause

"Never doubt that a small group of dedicated people could change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
-Margaret Mead

One of the goals of Splintfest is to showcase how much is possible when we all work together towards a common good.  While Splintfest is going to be an enjoyable and memorable event, we also hope it serves as a forum for positive change.

With that in mind, we are proud to announce our association with a very worthwhile cause...Walk Now For Autism.  Brought to our attention by Paul and Jennifer Paoli, long time AMR family members, this charity fundraiser is designed to help generate funds and awareness to hopefully find an effective treatment and cure for this devastating neurological disorder.  The Paoli family, through their dedication and personal experience with this condition, have become shining examples of what it truly means to give of ourselves for a good cause.

Please take a moment to visit their website, Walk Now For Autism, and register to participate in the event or to donate funds.  Not only are we helping one of our own, but we are working to help countless others who are affected by this condition.

Surprise Guest!

Splintfest 2009 is extremely excited to announce a surprise Mystery Guest who will be making a special appearance at the event.  The Mystery Guest will help in kicking off the festivities in true Splintfest fashion.  Remember to come swing by around noon and enjoy the barbecue and get a good seat as the competition begins promptly at 1300 hours.  Who will be the Splintfest 2009 Surprise Mystery Guest?  Only one way to find out...

The Competitors Part 1: The Holy Warrior

In part one of our two part series, we take a look into the mind of a Splintfest competitor.  Eric "Holy Warrior" Jenkins sat down with us to answer a few questions so that we may hopefully gain some insight into the mind of a hopeful champion...

Why did you learn to splint? 

For me it was kind of survival of the fittest. I mean when you look at it, why do any of us learn to splint. Is splinting really just splinting, or is it a metaphor for something else, I feel splinting applies to much more than just injuries of the body, I believe it applies to everything in life. A cook may splint a sandwich to hold it together, im sure you have seen it before the little toothpick sticking right down in the center holding the sandwich together, or what about duct tape on the side mirror of the car driving down the road, Splint. Cloth tap on the squiggie at Yolo ops, splint. For me it is easy, it was like…..splint, or fail at life.

What do you bring to the world of splinting?

I usually bring my lunch, some splinting supplies, and a big bottle of water, maybe some coffee if its really early.

How is splinting a reflection of our modern society?

I really think it all depends on how many mirrors there are or where actually the reflection is coming from if there are no mirrors.

What is your favorite color?

Purity

When did you make your first splint?

Actually happened in the womb, while my mother was carrying me. Her and my father were struggling  back in those days, and so my mother worked 3 jobs. She was coming home one night when she saw some kids climbing a tree, as she got closer she could see one of the kids, who was about 30ft up, started to fall, my mother being the saint she is, ran to catch the child, as she did, the child landed on her 7 month pregnant belly (me) causing what I felt as separation from the uterine wall start to occur, knowing I had to act fast, I made a splint out of some nearby tissue from the placenta causing the tear to stop and heal within minutes of the whole incident.

If you could splint anyone in history, who would it be?

Greatest man to ever walk the earth, Jesus!

What do you think of your opponent?

I don’t know if its fair to label this man a mere opponent, I mean I did train under “Commando”  for quit some years and I owe everything I know to him and his former predecessor, Sam Splinterson, and we all know what he has brought to the world of splinting. But “commando”  is not really of this world, I mean who do you know, that can splint blind folded, while asleep. I mean, granted his eyes are closed anyway, but mentally, to know that you couldn’t see even if you were awake has got to make it so much harder. I have to tell you, when I received word of this competition from the mail service here in my village, I was overwhelmed with complex emotions, but to honor my fellow Splinturgeons ( one who’s splinting has attained a level consistent with that of actual surgeon) I knew I had to accept the challenge.

What have you been doing to train for Splintfest?

Honestly I don’t feel there is much I can do to train. I mean…… look at all the greats of history,  did Michael Jordan train for swimming?, does Tiger Woods train for chess?, did Gandhi train for figure skating?, I think it would be safe to answer No!  and all of them attained unattainable levels in there respective fields. I really think the only training I could do to improve my abilities is to not train at all and maybe even De-Train…….I feel I have to much knowledge and ability and it is weighing me down at this point, not allowing me to reach my full potential in the splinting realm. Well that is all for now, I need to get back to my thesis on “Genetics and Organic Splinting”, I’m trying to show the correlation between living organisms and their ability to mutate and adapt along with the body and its injuries. I mean, can you imagine a living, soft tissue, splint, that had genetically learned traits of the body, to contour and apply support at all phases of the healing process, the application possibilities are endless. Godspeed Friends!

SPLINTFEST WANTS YOU!!

Splintfest Wants You!  Get the word out to everyone you know about the grace, majesty, and beauty that is Splintfest.  Coming soon to an operations near you...Splintfest Cards! (see below)  Grab a handful and pass them out to everyone you know.  Spread the word throughout the lands.  May there be no mountain peak too high nor any valley too low that they should not know thy word...and thy word is Splintfest!

Splintfest Bar-B-Que!

JUST ANNOUNCED: Dennis Carter will be hosting a special Splintfest Barbecue set to start at noon on 9.9.09.  Come by early and hang out, grab a dog or a burger and feel the buzz as two Goliath's prepare to do battle.  Anyone interested in helping out with food can contact Yolo Operations.  Thanks to Dennis Carter and the Yolo County Supervisors for their support of Splintfest as well as to everyone who is bringing in food and refreshments.  Your hard work and dedication will help make this memorable occasion just that much more Splintastic!

Official Rules of Splintfest

Splintfest will consist of 3 rounds.

• Long Bone
• Traction Splinting
• Mystery Round

Full BSI will be required. Participants will be required to register their Number and to have said Number displayed on their person at all times. All participants are required to wear a High Visibility Safety Vest at all times during the competition and may only remove the vest by permission of the judges. Early removal of the vest will result in disqualification.

Judging criteria for all participants

• Functionality
• Speed
• Aesthetics

Each category will be worth 10 points for a total possible 30 points.

Functionality

• Ability to assess CSM
• When applicable, access to the injury site for re-assessment
• Comfort to the patient
• Anatomical continuity
• Pain Management

Speed

• Both contests will start simultaneously and the first person to mark themselves complete is the winner.
• Contestants will signify that they have completed their splinting with a clap and wave of the hands and by stepping back from the table. Any player who touches the table after clapping is disqualified from that round.

Aesthetics

• Criteria for judgment of aesthetics is as follows:
• Anatomical contouring of splinting devices
• Creativity in use of supplies
• Symmetry
• Amount of materials used (less is better)

All players will be supplied with the same type and quantity of supplies prior to competing. Each contestant will be allowed one personal tool which is to be pre-approved by the American Splintfest Association of America pursuant to Article 174-9b of the Congressional Splinting Federation Act of 1863.

Supplies to be provided

• 2 Sam Splints
• 2 Triangle Bandages
• 1 Paperclip
• 2 Small Cardboard
• 2 Long Cardboard
• 1 Roll Cloth Tape
• 1 Roll IV Tape
• 5 Rolls Gauze
• 1 ACE Bandage
• 1 Bottle H₂O
• 1 Pillow
• 3” Stack of Blue Sheets
• 1 Roll Blue Painters Tape

Winner’s Code of Conduct

All winners will be required to participate in any future activities intended to promote future competitions and events as well as any training material highlighting skills used during said competition. By claiming the prize, the winner authorizes the use, without additional compensation, of his or her name and/or likeness and/or voice/photograph and municipality of residence for promotion and/or advertising purposes in any manner and in any medium. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in forfeiture of any titles and/or prizes. Winners will not be allowed to attend any media events or promotions without the direct written approval and consent of the American Splintfest Association of America. Any requests for media activities must be submitted to the ASAA 60 months prior to said event.

Disclaimer

No purchase necessary. Splintfest is open to all residents of the 48 continental states of the United States of America. The company is not responsible for any lost or misdirected entries. The company is not responsible for any damages, physical or emotional , which may or may not be a result of Splintfest. Any persons who have traveled to Botswana within the last 12 hours are not eligible. Decisions of contest judges are final. Prizes not redeemable for cash and must be accepted as awarded. Whining not permitted but gloating strongly encouraged.