Fractures and Dislocations
A fracture is a crack, break or bend in a bone
A dislocation is the separation of two bones which form a joint
It is preferable not to splint unless absolutely necessary for transport / comfort as mishandling of the injury can cause tissue and / or nerve damage
Fractures
A fracture is a crack, break or bend in a bone
Signs and Symptoms
- Pain
- Swelling, followed by bruising of the injured part
- May be deformity at site of fracture
- Patient may find it difficult / impossible to move the part normally
- An open fracture may have bleeding and a wound, while the bone may or may not be visible
- Shock
DO NOT move suspected fractures of:
- Head, neck or spine
- Pelvis
- Femur/thigh bone
- Elbow
Unless the patient’s life is in danger as moving the patient may result I life-long disabilities
Treatment
- Treat patient gently
- Make as comfortable as possible
- Place packing around injured site to stabilize
- Place padded ice or cold-pack over injured area to minimize swelling
- With arm / leg injuries, the patient usually puts the limb in the most comfortable position. Bind limb in place.
If bandage is not available, improvise by using clothing, clingfilm etc
Dislocation
A dislocation is the separation of two bones forming a joint
For any dislocations DIAL EMERGENCY
Signs and Symptoms
- Extreme pain
- Deformity
- May be discolouration
Treatment
- Treat patient gently
- Place packing around injured site to stabilize if not transporting
- Place ice-wrapped up, or cold-pack over injured area to minimize swelling
- Check for circulation and sensation below the dislocation
- If patient must be transported, bind / splint gently in comfortable position
For comprehensive first aid information please refer to the MediTrain First Aid Manual or complete a MediTrain First Aid training course.
This First Aid tip is just one example of the contents of the SkillsforLife First Aid Manual.