Fractures
Fractures are broken bones, which means that they need to be handled with care to avoid further pain or complications. Moving a fracture could result in more pain to the person, as well as causing possible bleeding and damage to the tissue around it. That is why fractured bones need to be immobilised during first aid.
Signs and Symptoms of a Fracture
What to do
If you suspect that a person has broken bone injury:
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Signs and Symptoms of a Fracture
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Deformity
- Inability to use/move the limb.
What to do
If you suspect that a person has broken bone injury:
- Keep the person still and do not move them unless there is immediate danger. You should be especially careful with this if it is a suspected fracture to the skull, ribs, spine, pelvis or upper leg.
- Apply pressure to any bleeding wounds by pressing on it firmly with clean dressing. If a bone is protruding, apply the pressure around the edges of the injury.
- If the bleeding of the wound is controlled, simply cover it in clean dressing.
- Provide support/comfort to any limb injuries by placing a pillow beneath it; however, avoid causing further pain or unescessary movements of the fracture.
- Apply a splint to the limb. Wooden boards or folded magazines work as splints if a manufactured splint cannot be accessed. The splint should work to immobilise the fracture above and below it.
- If possible, arm or collar bone fractures should be immobilised with a sling.
- Raise the fractured area if possible and a cold ice pack should be applied to reduce the pain and swelling.
- Prevent the person from eating or drinking anything until they see a doctor in case they need to have surgery.
- Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance in the case of an emergency.
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