For the common man, it may be difficult to differentiate between a fracture, a sprain, a strain or a possible dislocation and therefore the first aid treatment dispensed with to the injured person in any similar condition is that given for a fracture. A fracture refers to any break in the continuity of a bone and they are known to cause total disability, or in some cases, death. If attended to in a timely and correct manner, most fractures can be treated so there is complete recovery. Here is where the value of proper first aid that the individual receives before he is moved plays a significant role. First aid includes immobilizing the fractured part and also applying lifesaving measures, including the basic splinting principle used to immobilize the joints above and below any fracture.
Signs and symptoms of a fracture: first aid assessment guide
The conditions mentioned above have a common symptom of a grating sensation felt by the affected person, similar to bones rubbing together, pain, tenderness, swelling, bruising and an inability to move the injured part. Other indications of a fracture are deformity, tenderness, protruding bone, bleeding or discolored skin at the injury site.
First Aid measures for bone injuries: fracture and immediate help facts
The most important thing to do in such a situation is to control any visible bleeding that is present around the spot of the suspected fracture or any other part of the victim’s body.
- The first aid treatment for fracture consists of the measures taken for caring for shock.
- Any further movement of the affected limb/body part needs to be curtailed and the person immobilized to prevent further damage. This can be done by putting a splint on the affected area if it does not cause too much pain to the victim.
- A cold pack (easily available commercially) or a packet of frozen vegetables from the freezer helps to reduce pain and swelling that is a result of fractures.
- Fracture victims who were part of an automobile accident or those who have suffered a freak injury/fall or any such similar trauma need to only be attended to by trained rescue workers/paramedics.
- Since the head, neck and back injuries are always the most serious; these areas require special care for movement and transport of victims with these conditions. Therefore, unless the circumstances can cause further damage to the fracture victim, he should be immobilized and the first aid worker should help stabilize the victim’s head and neck with minimal flexing of either part or spinal cord.
Understanding the purpose of immobilizing a victim of fracture
It is very important for the person dispensing first aid to a fracture victim to keep the chances minimal for the victim developing any further complications. The reason why the fracture victim should be immobilized is to prevent the sharp edges of the bone from moving and cutting tissue, muscle, blood vessels and nerves. This lessens pain and helps prevent/control shock.