| Copyright (c) 2008 Wilfred Ball | | | | handled properly. If you know or suspect a person |
| First Aid for Broken Bones - Help is On the Way! | | | | has a head, neck or back injury, first aid for broken |
| First aid for broken bones has two initial concerns. | | | | bones dictates using whatever you can to keep the |
| The first is to get the person to a doctor as quickly | | | | person straight and still. There have been many cases |
| as possible. The second is to prevent further damage | | | | where paralysis occurred only because the bones |
| in the fracture area due to unnecessary movement | | | | shifted when the person with the injury moved. |
| until help arrives. When bones are broken, the | | | | Broken bones can sever nerves and cause lots of |
| surrounding tissue is affected. This is especially true | | | | other problems. |
| when the bone breaks into pieces which move | | | | In the case of broken arms and legs, first aid for |
| around. In addition, some suspected broken bones, | | | | broken bones includes applying cold compresses or |
| such as neck or back bones, require special handling | | | | ice to the fracture area. This reduces bruising and |
| First aid for broken bones concentrates on stabilizing | | | | swelling. The limb should also be elevated. Sometimes |
| the fracture area long enough to seek emergency | | | | injuries occur in places where help cannot be reached |
| assistance. The first thing you want to do is visually | | | | immediately. In that case, first aid for broken bones |
| evaluate the area and determine if there's bleeding. If | | | | would include making a splint for the arm or leg for |
| so, the bleeding should be stopped using compression. | | | | immobilization and finding a way to keep weight off |
| This will probably be painful for the person with the | | | | the leg through a makeshift crutch. |
| broken bone though, so only worry about serious or | | | | If the area below the fracture turns blue and cold, it |
| life threatening bleeding. | | | | means the fracture has cut off the supply of blood. |
| You should not try to move a person with a broken | | | | In this case, first aid for broken bones focuses on |
| bone. The more the injured person can remain | | | | straightening the limb as much as possible in order to |
| immobile until help arrives, the more likely there will | | | | restore blood flow. This should be done cautiously, |
| not be additional injury. When a bone breaks, the | | | | gently and slowly. |
| bone injury and damage to surrounding tissue can | | | | Immediate first aid for broken bones can play a |
| cause shock. It's important to cover the person with | | | | crucial role in preventing permanent damage as a |
| a blanket or some other covering if at all possible. | | | | result of the injury. Keeping the injured person |
| Most bone fractures will not cause death. But some | | | | immobile as much as possible is important. You should |
| fractures can cause paralysis or brain damage if not | | | | always get medical help as soon as possible. |