long, the end can be folded on itself The upper extremity requires to 10 layers; the lower, 12 to 14 layers to withstand some weight bearing In general, the width of the material should cover approximately one-half of the circumference of the extremity but should not be so wide that it completely encircles the extremity or overlaps itself Next, prepare the padding If toes or fingers are to be incorporated within the splint, place padding between the digits to prevent maceration Roll the cotton undercast padding (e.g., Webril) around the injured extremity in a distal to proximal manner, making sure to overlap each turn by 50% Extend the padding to cm distally and proximally beyond the area to be splinted Wrinkles in the padding can create pressure points and are best avoided by stretching and/or partially tearing the padding during application Bony prominences require additional padding to minimize pressure injury Stockinette may be used under the padding if desired An alternative method is to pad the splint material itself prior to applying to the patient This is achieved by layering the cotton undercast padding along the aspect of the splint that will come into contact with the patient’s extremity The padding is unrolled back and forth along the length of the splint to achieve enough cushion to prevent pressure injury Immerse the plaster slab in room-temperature water until bubbling stops Because setting plaster elaborates heat, room temperature water is recommended to minimize risk of heat injury to the patient’s skin Remove the slab from the water and on an absorbent surface such as a towel; smooth the plaster to remove excess moisture and wrinkles and to laminate the layers The setting time of the plaster is determined by the temperature of the water and the overall moisture content of the plaster, with warmer water and drier plaster shortening the set time Properly position the splint onto the extremity Using your palms, smooth and contour the splint to the extremity, taking care not to leave indentations Indentations create pressure points that will be uncomfortable and cause skin breakdown Fold the exposed cotton padding back over the ends of the splint Next, an optional layer of gauze or a single layer of cotton padding may be placed over the splint to prevent the elastic bandage from adhering to the plaster as it sets Roll the elastic bandage over the splint in a distal to proximal manner and secure with tape or clips The extremity should be maintained in the desired position until the splint is sufficiently hard Fiberglass Splint