How to treat a Fracture? (Fracture First Aid)

A fracture refers to a broken or cracked bone.

There are two types of fractures: open and closed.  A closed fracture means the bone has been broken but the skin has not been damaged.  An open for compound fracture, in which the skin is broken and bone is visible, is more dangerous and may involve severe bleeding.  Open fractures also are more likely to get infected.

Symptoms

• Swelling 
• Tenderness over the bone
• Shooting pain
• Visible deformity
• Increased pain with movement
• Bone protruding though skin

Causes

• Fall from height
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Direct blow
• Child abuse/ Abuse
• Repetitive forces e.g., running can cause stress fractures of the foot, ankle, and hip)

Complications

• Amputation
• Fat or pulmonary embolism
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

What you can do?

• Apply ice pack to the injury.  For open fractures, use clean preferably white wrappings.  Immediately applying cold will help decrease swelling and inflammation
• If you think there may be a broken bone, protect and rest the injured limb immediately.  To rest a bone effectively, immobilize the joint above and below the suspected fracture.  A fracture can be immobilized by wrapping something around the injured limb or fixing the limb to some other part of the person’s body called (splinting).  Magazines, cardboard or rolled newspaper can be used as splint.  Do not wrap too tightly or circulation will be cut off.  
• If a limb cannot be used at all and is most probably broken, see a doctor or go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.  Minutes and hours are not crucial unless the limb is crooked, the arteries or nerves are injured, or the injury is causing great pain.  A fractured limb that is protected and rested is likely to mend well even if casting or splinting is delayed.

Prevention Tips

• Wear the following protective gear while motorcycling, skateboarding , biking or rollerblading: 
  - Helmets
  - Elbow pads
  - Knee pads
  - Shin pads
• Crate safe playing environment for young children.  Provide soft playing surfaces and uncluttered environments.
• Teach children how to play safely and look out for potential hazards
• Supervise children carefully, There is no substitute for adequate supervision, no matter how safe the environment or situation may be.
• Avoid falls by posting warnings and observing posted warnings

This video is about assessing a Fracture during First Aid. It will show the steps starting by examining the site of the injury to see if there is a protruding bone..

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