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If you happen to be on the scene when someone is injured, the only way to learn how to deal with the situation appropriately is to undergo first aid training. This is particularly the case when dealing with a person with a suspected broken bone or fracture, as it can be dangerous to try to treat such an injury without in-depth first aid knowledge.
However, there are a few basic facts about treating suspected broken bones that everyone should know. These you will learn on a basic first aid training course, even if it doesn’t go into detail on the subject of treating broken bones.
Identifying a broken bone or fracture
The first thing you need to know is how to spot a potential break or fracture. Look out for the following symptoms:
• Swelling
• Twisting
• Shortening or bending of a limb
• Unnatural range of movement or immobility
• Grating noise or sensation
• Loss of strength
• Extreme shock
What to do
If you suspect a broken bone or fracture, do the following:
1. As soon as you can, call 999 or ask someone else to do it
2. Whilst waiting for help, you need to support the injury with your hand, a cushion or clothing or encourage the person to do it themselves
3. You should continue to prevent unnecessary movement, as well as supporting the injury, until professional medical help arrives.