Fracture

Alternative names:

bone-broken; broken bone; stress fracture

First aid:

1. Check the victim's airway, breathing and circulation. If necessary, begin rescue breathing, CPR, or bleeding control.
2. Keep the victim still and provide assurance.
3. Examine the victim closely for other injuries.
4. If the skin is broken by a fractured bone, or if you suspect there may be a broken bone under the skin, take steps to prevent infection. Don't breathe on the wound, and do not wash or probe it. Cover it with sterile dressings before immobilizing the injury.
5. If it appears that the circulation is inadequate (pale or blue skin, numbness or tingling, loss of pulse) or you must realign the limb in order to allow splinting and evacuation, you may carefully relocate the limb to a position of function or normal resting position. Function can be tested with voluntary movement. This should be done as soon as possible (within three hours of injury) to avoid swelling, muscle spasm and additional pain to the victim.
6. Splint or sling the injury in the position in which you found it. Be sure to immobilize the area both above and below the injured joint and to check the circulation of the affected area after immobilizing. Ice packs may be applied to ease pain and swelling. To check circulation either check the radial pulse in the wrist or press firmly on the skin in the affected area - it should blanch and then, "pink up" in 2 seconds.
7. Make an effort to prevent shock. Lay the victim flat, elevate the feet about 12 inches, and cover the victim with a coat or blanket. However, do not move the victim if a head, back, or leg injury is suspected.
8. Get medical help.

Do not:

• DO NOT move the victim unless the injured area is completely immobilized.
• DO NOT move a victim with an injured hip, pelvis, or upper leg unless it is absolutely necessary. If you must move the victim immediately, use the "clothes drag" technique.
• DO NOT attempt to straighten a misshapen bone or joint or to change its position unless circulation appears hampered.
• DO NOT test a misshapen bone or joint for loss of function.
• DO NOT give the victim anything by mouth.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:

• The victim has a dislocation, broken bone, or if there is severe bleeding.
• You cannot completely immobilize the injury at the scene by yourself.

Update Date: 10/08/99