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How do I recognise and treat a fracture/broken bone?

 
How do I recognise and treat a fracture/broken bone?


Posted by Jo O'Donovan   |   28 May

How do I recognise and treat a fracture/broken bone?

Bones can break as a result of direct or indirect force (such as twisting).

 

What are the signs and symptoms of a broken bone?

(The signs and symptoms can be identical to dislocations)

The signs and symptoms of a fracture or broken bone include:

Pain or tenderness

Swelling or bruising

Unnatural movement

Loss of power and inability to bear weight

Lumps or dips in the skin – this may be because the bone is overlapping or out of place

Deformity – it is worth comparing to the other side of the body to notice this

Crepitus – this is a noise made by two bones rubbing against each other when the injured area is moved.

 

How is a fracture/broken bone treated?

The initial treatment by the first aider should be as follows:

Immobilise the injury (for example, a sling)

Gently cover any exposed bone with a sterile dressing

Reassure the casualty and treat for shock

Send the casualty to the hospital for an X-Ray and further treatment.

 

Should I call 999/112 for a broken bone?

Call 999 or 112 if you suspect a spinal injury or a skull fracture

Call 999 or 112 if you see deformity, abnormal movement or the bone protruding through the skin

Call 999 or 112 if the casualty is in too much pain to be moved

Call 999 or 112 if the casualty is having trouble breathing

Call 999 or 112 if the injury seems to be causing circulation problems


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