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Fracture
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Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention
Alternative names:
Bone - broken; Broken bone; Stress fracture
First Aid
- Check the victim's airway, breathing, and circulation. If necessary, begin rescue breathing, CPR, or bleeding control.
- Keep the victim still, provide assurance, and call for medical help.
- Examine the victim closely for other injuries.
- In most cases, if medical help can respond quickly, allow the medical personnel to take further action on the fractured bone.
- If the skin is broken by a fractured bone, don't breathe on the wound or probe it. If possible, lightly rinse to remove visible dirt or other contamination, but do not vigorously scrub or flush the wound. Cover with sterile dressings before immobilizing the injury.
- Splint or sling the injury in the position in which you found it. Possible splints include rolled up newspaper or strips of wood. (Make sure to pad any hard splinting material to prevent a pressure sore). Immobilize the area both above and below the injured bone. Ice packs may be applied to ease pain and swelling.
- Check the circulation of the affected area after immobilizing -- press firmly over skin that is beyond the fracture site. (For example, if the fracture is in the leg, press on the toes). It should first blanch and then "pink up" in about two seconds.
- If circulation appears inadequate (pale or blue skin, numbness or tingling, loss of pulse) and trained personnel are not quickly available, try to realign the limb into a normal resting position. This can be tested with voluntary movement. It should be done as soon as possible (within three hours of injury) to reduce swelling, pain, and damage to the tissues from lack of blood.
- Make an effort to prevent shock. Lay the victim flat, elevate the feet about 12 inches above the head, and cover the victim with a coat or blanket. However, do not move the victim if a head, neck, or back injury is suspected.
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 move a victim with any suspected spine injury.
- DO NOT attempt to straighten a misshapen bone or joint or to change its position unless circulation appears hampered.
- DO NOT try to reposition a suspected cervical spine injury.
- DO NOT test a misshapen bone or joint for loss of function.
- DO NOT give the victim anything by mouth.
Call Your Health Care Provider Immediately If:
- The victim has a dislocation or broken bone, or if there is severe bleeding.
- You cannot completely immobilize the injury at the scene by yourself.
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