A professional who applies, adjusts, and removes casts, assembles traction apparatus, and fits strappings and splints for orthopedic patients according to medical staff instructions, using handtools. Responsibilities include:

• Covers injured areas with specified protective materials, such as stockinette bandages, gauze, or rubber pads, preparatory to cast application.
• Wets, wraps, and molds plaster bandages around area of fracture.
• Trims plaster, using electric cutter.
• Removes whole and broken casts and alters position of cast to change setting of patient's limb or body part as directed.
• Assembles wooden, metal, plastic, or plaster material to make orthopedic splints, using handtools.
• Rigs pulleys, ropes, and frames to assemble fracture beds, using handtools.
• Attaches traction supports to patient's limb and adjusts support to specified tension.
• Assembles exercise frames, using handtools.
• Adjusts crutches and canes to fit patient.
• Instructs patients in care of and assists patients in walking with casts, braces, and crutches.