First Aid For Fractures

Facts About Fractures

• A fracture is an injury in a bone that is at least cracked
• Seek medical advice immediately afterwards, stop bleeding if possible.
• Perform resuscitation or treat shock
• If there is a need to move the person with a break before the help comes, you have to make a support rail that supports the break

Background to Fractures

• Although bones are usually very strong, they can break or crack if they get a blow, are heavily strained or if they get angry
• Damage can also occur if bones in one joint are pulled or pushed out of their normal position if the ligaments supporting the joint are torn or if parts of the muscles are overloaded
• It can be difficult to distinguish between bone, joint and muscle damage without x-ray examination. If in doubt, treat the injury as if it is a broken bone
• You can protect the injured person from further damage by getting the person to be as quiet as possible.

Call Emergency Services if

• The injured person does not respond, does not breathe or moves
• Start with mouth to mouth revival (child adult/) if there is no breathing and cardiac massage if there is no pulse
• There is severe bleeding
• Even light pressure and small movements cause pain
• Legs, legs or joints look deformed or bones protrude through the skin
• If a finger or toe is numb and blue-colored at the tip. There may be signs of injury higher on the arm or leg

First aid

• While waiting for help, you should do the following:
• Stands possible bleeding
  • If it bleeds, press directly against the wound with a sterile bandage or a clean piece of cloth
  • Keep pressure until bleeding is stopped
• Be sure to keep the damaged area at rest
• In South Africa, Falck inflatable support rails have for any purpose
• In wilderness areas, other conditions apply:
  • Keep the joints above and below the break in peace. Do not try to put the brake in place. A support rail can stabilize the broken parts and prevent unwanted movements that can aggravate tissue damage. A good support rail reduces the pain. The smaller the movement at the injured place the better
  • Use a rigid material for the support rail, such as wood, plastic, metal, if any. A plastic foam that can be breathed. The support bar should be longer than the leg to be supported and well past the injury site both above and below. The material to be used should be padded to make it more comfortable for the injured person
  • Attach the support rail to the leg / arm with a gauze, clothes strip or a string. Start fixing at the bottom of the leg / arm and work towards the body. Make sure that the support rail is securely attached to the leg / arm to prevent movement. But do not tighten so that it inhibits blood flow
  • Bride on special areas of the body
    • For the support arm for the forearm you can, for example, Use a magazine or some newspapers
    • For the support rail for the lower part of the liner, the entire liner can be placed between two support rails. If you do not have access to support rails, the quick leg can be used as “support rail” to reduce the movements in the fractured plaque
    • If your thigh is broken, keep the hip joint at rest by moving the injured cautiously onto a solid surface like a tabletop or door
  • If you are suspected of neck / back injury, the head and neck of the injured person must be supported by a person if it is necessary to move the injured person. This prevents further damage
• Treat shock
  • If the injured person gets disturbed, fainted or becomes striking short of breath and gets a fast pulse, it may be a sign that he or she is in shock
  • Put the person down with his head slightly lower than the body and raise his legs.

• Immobilise the fracture with rails or the like

• If you suspect bone fractures in your fingers or toes, consult your own doctor if your doctor has direct access to X-ray photography.

• Serious fractures require hospital treatment