What to know, what to do....

A serious injury, especially any involving a fall or an impact from speed, can result in a fracture, breaking a bone. Because one of the functions of bones is to protect delicate structures of the body, one of the greatest dangers when a bone breaks is that the sharp edge that can be formed at the site of the injury can itself cut or damage soft tissues in the same area. So, a broken bone must not be allowed to move around. Gravity is your best splint. If a person has fallen, and you suspect a bone has been broken, the best thing to do is to allow them to remain in position. Whatever harm has been done, is already done and the body is now stabilized by its supports and by gravity. Do not move a victim you suspect may have a broken bone Emergency Services Personnel come to stabilize the injury with a splint, and transport to the hospital for treatment.

You Should Suspect A Broken Bone If

Ø      There is deformity of the body part

Ø      You see bruising or swelling

Ø      The part cannot be used normally

Ø      There are bone fragments visible in or around a wound

Ø      There is cold or numbness beyond the site of the injury

Ø      The victim reports hearing a snap or pop at the time of the injury, or feels bones grating

Ø      The accident suggests that injuries are severe

What to Do if You Suspect a Broken Bone

Ø      Send someone to call 911 Emergency Medical Services

Ø      If the victim is not in danger to remain where they are

o       Do not move the victim

o       Take care of any other injuries, such as bleeding

o       Help the victim remain as comfortable as possible

o       Continue to watch over the victim, in case they develop a problem with airway, breathing, or circulation

o       Reassure the victim

Ø      If it is dangerous for the victim to where they are

o       Check (feel) the extremity beyond the injury for feeling, warmth and color

o       Splint the Injury

§         Use something soft (bandages, extra clothing) to pad and secure the joint above and below the injury to something for external support. Do not tie anything directly ON the injury site.

§         Only if you can do it without causing more pain and discomfort to the victim

§         In the position you find it. Do NOT attempt to “straighten” or “set” a broken bone. As mentioned before, very important soft structures (arteries, veins, nerves, tendons and ligaments) may be lying near or on, the sharp ends of the broken bones. Stability is critical. Physicians will realign the bones only after using equipment to be sure of placement and surrounding structures.

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