Broken Bone

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Broken Bone: First Aid

1. Check the person's airway, breathing, and circulation. If necessary, begin rescue breathing, CPR, or bleeding control.
2. Keep the person still and calm.
3. If needed, call your local emergency number (such as 911).
4. Examine the person closely for other injuries.
5. In most cases, if medical help responds quickly, allow the medical personnel to take further action on the broken bone.
6. If the skin is broken, it should be treated immediately to prevent infection. Don't breathe on the wound or probe it. If possible, lightly rinse the wound to remove visible dirt or other contamination, but do not vigorously scrub or flush the wound. Cover with sterile dressings.
7. Immobilize the broken bone with a splint or sling in the position you found it. Possible splints include a rolled up newspaper or strips of wood. Immobilize the area both above and below the injured bone.
8. Apply ice packs to reduce pain and swelling.
9. Take steps to prevent shock. Lay the person flat, elevate the feet about 12 inches above the head, and cover the person with a coat or blanket. However, DO NOT move the person if a head, neck, or back injury is suspected.

TREAT BLEEDING

1. Place a dry, clean cloth over the wound to dress it.
2. If the bleeding continues, apply direct pressure to the site of bleeding. DO NOT apply a tourniquet to the extremity to stop the bleeding unless it is life-threatening.