First aid for fracture: what can and cannot be done

Cracked or broken bone (no matter where: in the arm, leg, ribs, pelvis …) is not always obvious. Meanwhile, its sharp edges, hidden under the skin and inside tissues, can disrupt the integrity of large blood vessels or even pierce vital organs. Therefore, while fractures are not life-threatening in most cases, it is best not to joke with them. They always Fractures (broken bones) require professional medical attention.

Depending on the severity of the damage, you must either contact the emergency room or call an ambulance.

How to tell if this is a bone fracture

It often disguises itself as ordinary bruises or minor injuries. But there are signs of Understanding Bone Fractures - Symptoms that indicate a fracture. Here they are:

You have just fallen, hit hard, or otherwise been injured.
The damaged area is very painful, especially when moving.
Sometimes the pain is mild, but the injured area is numb.
A large purple bruise appeared (this is a sign of extensive hemorrhage) and edema.
There is a visible deformation: the hand, leg, finger take an unnatural position or acquire an unhealthy bend. A very obvious symptom is when a broken bone breaks through the skin and its sharp edges are visible to the naked eye.
When the skin is torn, severe bleeding is observed.

It is not necessary that all of the listed symptoms coincide. For example, with an injury to the ribs or pelvis, the deformity may not be noticeable, although a fracture in these areas is extremely dangerous. But, if you counted at least four points, most likely this is it. Urgent action must be taken.

When to call an ambulance

You can understand that a fracture is life threatening by a number of signs:

The bone pierced the skin, fragments are visible.
The bleeding is very profuse, or the subcutaneous hematoma grows rapidly. This is a symptom that a person is losing a lot of blood.
Even a light touch of the affected area causes severe pain.
The limb or joint appears to be deformed.
Toes, hand or foot are numb to complete loss of sensation and / or turn blue.
The victim does not answer questions, does not breathe, or does not move.
You suspect that the injury may have affected the bones of the neck, head, or back.

Even if the injury seems to you insignificant and you, after checking the symptoms, only assume a fracture, we remind you: at least a visit to a trauma center or to a traumatologist is a must.

Only a specialist can assess the real extent of the damage and exclude the danger to vital vessels, nerve endings or organs. This will most likely require an x-ray.

How to provide first aid for a fracture

The sequence of actions may vary depending on the specific situation. If a person cries out in pain, first he needs to be given an anesthetic drug. If the sensations are tolerable, but a lot of blood flows out of the wound, then first of all, a tourniquet should be applied and only then proceed to other first aid items.

Take it easy

To overcome the shock, both the victim and the one who helps him, it is important to breathe correctly - deeply and measuredly. Remember: very soon doctors will deal with the fracture.

Try not to move the damaged area

While you are waiting for an ambulance or driving to the emergency room, try to keep the injured part of the body still.

If you suspect a fracture of the bones of the neck, head or back, movement is prohibited! Otherwise, new injuries are possible.

Stop bleeding

Stop bleeding, if any. Apply a sterile dressing or clean cloth (this could be clothing) to the wound to block any blood flowing out.

When it comes to limbs, you can use a tourniquet. Pull your arm or leg tightly a few centimeters above the wound. Be sure to place a note under the harness indicating the exact time of application.

Splint

If limbs are injured, try to immobilize the joints above and below the site of the alleged fracture as much as possible. As a rule, for this they impose a tire - a board, a ruler, a rod, a rolled-up magazine or newspapers …

The splint must be firmly, but not tightly fixed with bandages, plaster or tape. You can see how to do this in this simple video:

Reduce pain

You can give a pain reliever - the strongest that is available to you. For example, based on ibuprofen, paracetamol or ketorolac.

To reduce swelling and relieve pain, hold an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel or other piece of cloth over the injured area.

What not to do with a fracture

Try to align the bone or, if it looks out, push it back in.
To deliver the victim to the emergency room or to the ambulance according to the principle "if only faster". Even if we are talking about a damaged finger, transportation should be as careful as possible so as not to accidentally aggravate the situation.
Trying to give pain relievers or water to a person who is semi-faint: they may choke.
Ignore the obvious symptoms of a fracture (they are listed in the first section) and hope it carries over. Even if vital organs and blood vessels are not affected, trauma can affect nerve endings, which will subsequently develop into impaired mobility and chronic pain.