First Aid Tips - Fractures  

Any bone which gets broken with or without displacement of broken Fragments.

Identification / look out for:

• Very intense pain increasing on movement of affected area.
• Bruising may or may not be there
• Swelling 
• Injured area looks abnormal as compared to opposite side
• Difficulty in moving the injured area.
• Shock
• Unconsciousness may temporarily be there.
  

What to do:

1. Immobilisation of the affected area is required - Get Help!
2. Keep the patient still and support the injured area.
3. For arm fractures a sling can be made to support and immobilise the affected area, which can be hung around the neck using triangular bandage or cloth.
4. Splints (any long firm object) can be used for support and
   immobilisation,but usually splinting to another part of the body is best.
5. In case of leg fractures the patient's both legs can be tied together.
   Open fractures - control the bleeding with sterile dressing and pressure if required.
   
   

Do not:

1. Give massage to affected area
2. Try to straighten the broken limb
3. Move the patient without support
4. Ask the patient to move on his own
5. Move the joints above and below the fracture.