1) Gather Materials
- stockinette, padding, soft-roll, flannel, water, scissors, plaster/fiberglass splint, tape
2) Position patient
- elbow anchored on hard surface for short arm types, supine with shoulder on edge of bed & elbow at 90º for long arm types, supine or prone with knee/ankle neutral for above/below knee types
3) Prepare the skin
- stockinette or synthetic Webril: allow overhang to roll over splitting material
- soft-roll padding (overlap by ½), pad bony prominences, thumbhole, etc.
4) Apply the splint/slab
- Plaster of Paris: (sets in 10-15 minutes) submerge in cool water, apply with palms
- Fiberglass: (sets in 4-5 min.) size appropriately, open immediately prior to splinting
5) Trip sharp edges/roll back edges: roll padding back over edges of splint material
6) Wrap with flannel: avoid wrapping under tension
7) Mold: use palms
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PEARL
Fiberglass sticks to skin/clothes and plaster may cause micro-cuts in skin that facilitate the transmission of disease, therefore always wear gloves when handling these materials |