Fracture = Broken Bone

After injury or trauma, if the any of the following symptoms are apparent, call 911 immediately in the U.S. and Canada. (For other countries, see our First Aid page for the emergency number.)

• The person is unconscious or can’t be moved.
• The person is not breathing or doesn’t have a pulse. Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• There is heavy bleeding.
• Even gentle pressure or movement causes pain.
• The limb or joint appears deformed or the bone has pierced the skin.
• The part farthest from the heart is numb or bluish at the tip.

Take These Precautions Immediately While Waiting For Medical Help

• Stop the bleeding. If there is bleeding, press directly on the wound with a sterile bandage, clean cloth or piece of clothing. If nothing else is available, use your hand. Try to elevate the injured area above the heart to reduce bleeding and swelling. Apply pressure until the bleeding stops.
• Immobilize the area. Keep joints above and below the fracture immobilized, but don’t try to set the bone. A splint stabilizes the damaged parts and prevents unwanted movement of the parts that could aggravate tissue damage. Proper splinting may reduce pain. Use any rigid material such as wood, plastic or metal to design a splint. The splint should be longer than the bone it is splinting and extend below and above the injury. Pad the splint with gauze wherever possible. Pads make the splint more comfortable and help keep the bones straight. Fasten the splint to the limb with gauze or strips of cloth or string. Start wrapping from the extremity and work toward the body. Splint the limb firmly to prevent motion but not tight enough to stop blood flow.

To Splint A Lower Arm

Tie rolled magazines or newspapers around a broken lower arm. Wrap a sling over the shoulder and a band around the sling to help keep the elbow still.

To Splint A Lower Leg

Place the entire leg between two splints. If no splints are available, use the healthy leg as a splint to impede movement of the broken one. If the thighbone is broken, immobilize the hip joint by gently moving the person onto a rigid surface such as a tabletop or door.

• Apply cold. If ice is available, wrap the ice in cloth and apply it to the splinted limb.
• Treat for shock. If the person becomes faint or is breathing in short breaths, he or she may be in shock. Lay the person down with the head slightly lower than the trunk and elevate the legs. CALL 911, if you haven’t already!

I get asked about ‘broken bones’ a lot, if you have any doubt, please go to an emergency room or center where you can have an x-ray to determine if indeed you have a fracture! Thanks. (I broke my foot in July 2002 and it was very annoying, but I did get an x-ray the next day. Stress fractures may not show up on the x-ray the day of the injury. Make sure you tell the health care person how you injured your body part. 🙂