The purposes of this study were to document (1) the historical use of splints, (2) record the current practice of splint application, and (3) compare splint philosophy of the past with present practice. One hundred burn references were reviewed for information on the past use of splints. Present practice was determined on the basis of a survey of 99 burn centers. Information is presented as to when splints are applied to burn patients in their course of recovery for 12 body areas prone to scar contracture. The influence of burn depth is noted. A change in the practice of applying splints to burn patients appears to have occurred. Part I of this series describes the global results and details whether splints are necessary.