First Aid Instructions for Broken Bones (Fractures)

Broken bones, or fractures, always require medical attention. While there is little an untrained person can do to treat a broken bone using first aid, you can administer treatment that will ease their discomfort and prevent infection while waiting for medical professionals to arrive. Broken bones are recognizable by deformed limbs or joints, bones that have pierced the skin, numb or bluish extremities (i.e. toes, fingers, arms or legs), abnormally out turned limbs and pain from even gentle movement or pressure.

To administer first aid to a victim with a broken bone, follow these instructions:

First Aid Items You’ll Need for Treating Fractures:

• Sterile bandage or clean cloth
• Splint
• Ice packs
• CPR Mask
• Towel

If possible, do not move the victim. This may cause further injury. Only move the person if they are in imminent danger. Next, check for any bleeding. Apply pressure using a sterile bandage or clean cloth, but be careful not to cause further damage to the bone. Do not try to realign the bone or push a bone back in if its protruding from the skin. If you have been trained to make a splint and no medical help is on the way, you can immobilize it by placing a splint above and below the area of the fracture. You can also pad the splint to decrease discomfort.

Wrap an ice pack or bag of ice in a towel or piece of cloth and apply it to the wound to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Only leave ice on the skin for about 20 minutes at a time. Remove the ice for 20 minutes before reapplying it to the area. To help the bag of ice conform to the shape of where the injury is, try filling a bag with a little bit of water as well as ice.

If the person is breathing in short, rapid breaths or says the he or she is feeling faint, lay the person down with their head slightly below their trunk. If possible, elevate their legs. This will prevent them from going into shock.

Remember: do not try to reshape the area or realign the bone, unless you have been trained to do so. Instead, focus on immobilizing the bone, as this will help prevent more pain while medical professionals arrive. Depending on the severity of the injury and the mobility of the victim, you may not need to call an ambulance. Stretchers are handy to have in case of a broken bone injury.