Below Elbow POP
This video aims to give simple steps in the procedure of paediatric below elbow plaster of paris (POP)
- Equipment: ortho wool, 2x medium rolls of POP, 1x large roll of POP
- Apply ortho wool: intervals covering 50% of your last throw, down the arm
- Applying the first POP: start at the wrist and work down the hand, and back up the arm
- Second roll of POP: apply to the midpoint and cover the whole forearm and hand
- Fold the wool: giving enough room to flex at the elbow
- Reinforcement: cover the length of the forearm with a wider roll of POP
- Smooth the POP: paying attention to the thumb area
- Finished POP: there should be room to flex the arm, and the thumb should be free to move with the pop smoothed to prevent abrasions/ pressure areas
Additional basic tips for newbies
- Children don’t liked to sit still – ensure adequate analgesia (paracetamol, ibuprofen, tilidine drops aka valoron) and if needed sedation prior to procedure
- When wetting the POP rolls in water ensure you maintain hold of the loose end
- Wait for the majority of bubbles to cease before removing the POP (insert vertically into water). Squeeze out excess water for the POP roll prior to application
- When smoothing over ensure not to apply pressure with finger tips (avoid pressure areas at all costs). Dunking hands in water prior to smoothing helps
- Remember to advise family about danger signs to watch out over the next 24 hours and when to return for follow-up