Page 163 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

FIRST AID 161

Fractures and dislocations

A fracture is a break or crack in a bone due to a heavy blow or
WARNING
a sudden twist or wrench. In open fractures, the bone protrudes
through the skin; in closed fractures, the skin is not broken. Get medical attention immediately
if you suspect a broken bone or a
In a dislocation, the bones of a joint are pulled apart. Signs of
dislocated joint. If a person with
a broken bone or dislocated joint include swelling, bruising, and a broken arm can bend the injured
deformity at the site of the injury, and pain and difficulty moving arm, take him or her to the hospital
the affected part. A serious fracture, for example of the thigh by car. Otherwise, call 911.
bone, may cause severe internal bleeding and shock (see p.165).

PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE
Treating a broken arm Treating a broken leg or pelvis
Your main goals are to treat any bleeding, support the Your main goals are to protect the injured part, call 911,
injury, and arrange transportation to a hospital. Don’t move and, for a broken leg, treat any bleeding. Don’t move the
the person until the arm has been immobilized, unless he victim until the injured part has been immobilized, unless
or she is in danger. Treat dislocations in the same way. he or she is in danger. Never attempt to manipulate the
Never attempt to manipulate bones back into place. bones back into place.
If the victim can bend the injured arm, ask him or Call 911. If a bone is protruding, put on disposable
her to support it. If the bone is protruding from gloves, if available, then loosely cover the wound
1 the wound, put on disposable gloves, if available. 1 with a clean or sterile dressing. Apply pressure
Cover the wound with a clean dressing. Apply pressure to control bleeding, but be careful not to press on
to control bleeding, but don’t press on the bone end. the bone end.
Make a sling using a If the leg is broken, put rolled
triangular bandage, blankets or coats around the
2 and tie an extra bandage 2 injured leg. Do not let the
over the sling to keep victim eat, drink, or smoke,
the arm immobilized in case a general anesthetic
against the chest. Don’t is needed in the hospital.
allow the victim to eat,
drink, or smoke in case
a general anesthetic is
needed in the hospital.
If the victim cannot bend
the injured arm, ask him
3 or her to lie down and put Put padding around
the injured leg
padding around the
elbow. Call 911.
For a broken pelvis, lay the victim down, keeping
his or her head low to prevent shock. Place padding
Improvised sling 3 around the body, and, if necessary, slip cushions
If no sling is available, turn under the knees.
the edge of the victim’s Monitor and record the victim’s breathing, pulse,
jacket up over the injured and level of consciousness regularly. If the pelvis or
arm and attach it to the top 4 another large bone is broken, treat for possible shock
of the jacket with a pin. (see p.165). If he or she becomes unconscious (see
p.168), be ready to begin CPR (see pp.170–171).