What Should I Do?
If you or someone around you needs to apply first aid for a broken bone or fracture, call 911 as soon as possible. Then, or while the call is being made, follow these steps:
- Stop any bleeding with a combine pad, gauze, or any clean cloth or towel
- Use a splint to immobilize the injured limb. If you don’t have a splint on hand, you can make one. If it’s a break in the wrist or arm you can also put the arm in a sling to prevent movement.
- If it is an open fracture and the bone is visible, do not try and move the bone back under the skin. Similarly, if there is a dislocation do not attempt to relocate the bone unless properly trained.
- If available, use a cold pack or ice wrapped in a towel to help numb the pain.
- Check for signs of shock, and if necessary, treat it.
- Wait for help to arrive.
How Do I Make a Splint?
The most important item for a broken bone or fracture is a splint. Immobilizing the broken bone prevents further damage and allows the bone to heal faster You can make a splint out of rolled-up newspaper, a rolled-up towel, a strong stick or rod, or a plank of wood as long as the material is strong enough to keep the limb from moving. If the stick or plank of wood could give the person splinters, wrap it in cloth. Next tie the splint to the limb and make sure it is secure but not cutting off circulation. Shoelaces, belts, ropes, string, and medical take are all good options.
What Are the Signs of Shock?
- Cool and clammy skin
- Flushed face or skin
- A blue or gray hue in the fingernails or lips
- Rapid pulse and or breathing
- Weakness or fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Enlarged pupils
- Dizziness or fainting
- Changes in behavior, usually anxiety or agitation
How Do I Apply First Aid for Shock?
- Lay the person down, and unless they have injured their leg(s), elevate their feet and legs a bit by using a rolled-up sleeping bag, a backpack, etc.
- Try to keep the person as still as possible, only moving them when help arrives, or they are in danger.
- Loosen restrictive clothing.
- Cover with a blanket if they, or the surrounding area is cold.
- If they are having an allergic reaction, use an epi-pen if they have one.
- If they are bleeding, apply pressure to the wound with a towel or gauze.
- If they did not suffer a spinal injury and are in danger of choking, turn their head to the side.
Types of Fractures
- Closed Fracture – the bone is fractured but has not broken the skin.
- Open Fracture – the bone has broken the skin. This type of fracture requires immediate medical attention.
- Displaced Fracture – the bone breaks into two or more pieces and moves out of alignment.
- Non-displaced Fracture – the bone breaks but doesn’t move out of alignment.
Don’t Let Fractures Keep You Down
Accidents happen, be prepared for any injury so you can get back to life as quickly as possible. Having first aid supplies and knowledge of first aid for a broken bone or fracture can help give your body a head-start on healing and prevent injuries from becoming worse.
Citation
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-make-a-splint
