A device is provided that is capable of being mounted on both sides of an injured joint to immobilize the joint, typically as a means of providing emergency care to a patient. The inventive device has plates that are pivotally attached to each other so that the device can be placed against the patient's body and secured to body parts that are on opposing sides of the injured joint, without substantially moving the injured joint. In this manner, additional trauma, pain and/or injury to the patient is avoided or minimized while emergency care is being provided. According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus has a first plate adapted for engaging a limb of the body, and a second plate adapted for engaging a body part to which the limb is connected via the injured joint. The first plate has a first end portion, and the second plate has a second end portion. The apparatus also has a lockable joint connecting the first end portion of the first plate and the second end portion of the second plate.