How should a splint be constructed for an injury?

A splint's primary purpose is to immobilize the injured area and prevent further movement that could exacerbate the injury. By minimizing the movement of the injured bone, a splint helps to stabilize the fracture, reduce pain, and promote healing. This is especially important in wilderness settings where access to immediate medical care may be limited, as a well-constructed splint can prevent complications until professional help is available.

When constructing a splint, the focus should be on stabilizing not just the injury site but also the joints above and below the injury. This broad stabilization helps to limit unnecessary movement and supports the proper alignment of the broken or strained area, which is crucial for healing.

While the material used can vary, it's critical that the splint is constructed in a way that securely holds the injured limb in place, without allowing for movement that could lead to further injury. Thus, a splint that minimizes movement of the injured bone is the key factor in providing effective first aid for an injury.