When splinting an injured limb, you should assess pulse, motor function, and sensation distal to the injury:

Assessing pulse, motor function, and sensation distal to the injury both before and after applying the splint is crucial for a comprehensive evaluation of the limb's status. This assessment helps determine the extent of the injury and ensures that the circulation and nerve function are intact.

Before applying the splint, checking these vital signs establishes a baseline. It allows the responder to identify any deficits that may need urgent attention and informs how the injury might have affected the limb functionally.

After applying the splint, a subsequent assessment is necessary to verify that the splint has not compromised blood flow or nerve function. This is especially important if the initial assessment showed any abnormalities, as splinting can inadvertently aggravate the situation if not performed with careful monitoring.

By assessing both before and after splinting, you ensure that the splinting process did not negatively impact the limb, providing an additional layer of safety and care in managing the injury.