4 First Aid Tips for Fractures

by Kevin Smith Author

A fracture happens when bones suffer a crack or break into multiple fragments, often as a result of a sports injury, accident or trauma. Although not usually life-threatening, it's still necessary to seek the advice of a health care professional to ensure a full recovery.

A trip to the hospital may seem to be the best recourse, but there are times when you won't have that luxury. It pays to know what to do in case of an emergency. Experts on orthopedics in Suffolk County, NY aim to teach everyone proper first aid procedures so that long-term damages can be reduced through temporary remedies. Here are some tips on what to do for a fracture.

Be Observant

If the damaged bone breaks the skin, it’s called an open fracture. Otherwise, it's a closed fracture. In both cases, don't move the person unless it's completely necessary.

A limb can appear shorter, bent, or twisted once broken. Most of the time, the affected area will be tender and swollen. It's best to keep it stationary as any movement will only cause tremendous pain.

Stop the Bleeding

For open fractures, apply a decent amount of pressure on the area to stop the bleeding. Always use a sterile bandage, but if one isn't available, a clean piece of cloth will do.

This will eliminate the chances of compounding the problem due to too much blood loss. It also ensures that no foreign bacteria will enter and infect the open wound.

Immobilize

Even if it's tempting, don't try to realign any part of the broken bone as this may only cause further injuries. Instead, try to look for a sturdy material like a plank and thick sticks to make an improvised splint. Use bandages or a piece of cloth to secure the broken part and limit its movements.

Apply Cold Compress

Ice is a highly recommended treatment for injuries like fractures. It helps manage pain and reduce the swelling of an injured body part. Don't put the icepack directly on the skin though. Remember to wrap it in a piece of cloth first, before letting it rest on the injury for 10 minutes at a time. A cold compress is most effective when it's applied immediately or within the first 48 hours.

Once stable, the injured person should be brought to the nearest hospital that has experts on orthopedics in Suffolk County, NY. If you're having trouble moving them or if they've damaged their head, neck or back, then it's best to call 911 for professional help.