First Aid Of Fracture

ByDr. Hanan Said Ali

Learning Objectives

*Define the fracture.* Enumerate Types of fractures.* Identify Signs &symptoms for fracture. *Perform First aid of closed fracture.* Perform First aid of open fracture.* Apply first aid of joint dislocation.

Learning Objectives Cont.

*Define sprain and strain. *Demonstrate first aid of sprain and strain.* Perform first aid of Injury to The Ribcage .*Administer First Aid Of The unconscious With Spinal Injury

Definition And Types Of Fractures

A fracture consists of a break or crack in the bone.

There are three types of fractures. A- The first is a "simple fracture." This term refers to a fracture in which the skin is intact and no wound is present anywhere near the fractured area.

B- The second type of fracture is known as a "compound fracture." This term is used when the underlying skin has been broken or damaged.

* This type of injury may result in the bone protruding through the victim's skin or as a result of a direct blow that cuts the skin at the time of impact. The bone itself may or may not be visible in the wounded area.

The Third Type ,is a complicated fracture where in

addition to the fracture an important internal organ may

also be in juried A complicated fracture may be simple or

compound

signs and symptoms to assist you when you suspect a person has suffered a fracture * first step in identifying a broken bone would be to check for deformity by comparing the injured counterpart on the opposite side of the victim's body.

* Second, look for an open wound, which may indicate an underlying fracture.

* Third, check for pain, which usually accompanies a fracture. The injured person will most likely be able to point to the area of pain.

* To assist in diagnosing a broken bone, gently feel along the bone. The victim will most certainly complain of tenderness or pain at the exact point of the fracture.

* Fourth, notice if the injured area is swollen. Swelling in a fractured area happens rapidly, so look for this significant sign as well. *In some cases a victim of a fracture is able to move the fractured limb with little or no pain. In other cases, motion will produce pain and the victim will refuse to move the injured limb.

The best method of first aid to implement for a person with a suspected fracture is as follows:

* Though fractures are rarely life threatening it is recommended to check and monitor the victim’s airway, breathing, circulation and to check for disabilities using your CPR and First Aid training skills. * Treat the victim for shock if necessary.

* Ask questions to determine how the accident occurred and the location of the injury. This information will be valuable to trained medical personnel upon their arrival. * Examine the injured area for swelling and/or deformities, lacerations and puncture wounds.

*Gently feel along the length of the bone for tenderness, swelling and deformities.

Check the injured extremity for pulse. A pulse less in arm or leg indicates an emergency requiring

immediate surgical care. If this is the case, seek

emergency medical help immediately.

Take these actions immediately while waiting formedical help:

Stop any bleeding. Apply pressure to the wound with a sterile bandage, a clean cloth or a clean piece of clothing. Immobilize the injured area. Don't try to realign the bone, but if you've been trained in how to splint and professional help isn't readily available, apply a splint to the area.

Apply ice packs to limit swelling and help relieve pain until emergency personnel arrive. Don't apply ice directly to the skin — wrap the ice in a towel, piece of cloth or some other material. Treat for shock. If the person feels faint or is breathing is short, rapid breaths, lay the person down with the head slightly lower than the trunk and, if possible, elevate the legs.

First Aid For Closed Fracture 1-Advise the victim to keep still. support the in juried part with your hands, or ask a helper to do this , until it is immobilised. 2-For firmer support, bandage the injured part to an unaffected part of the body. 3-Arrange to transport the victim to hospital as necessary. Treat for shock if necessary by raising the legs , don't raise the injured limb if this causes the victim more pain.

4-Check the circulation beyond a bandage every 10 minutes . if the circulation is impaired, loosen the bandage

First Aid For open Fracture

1- Put on gloves , if available. Loosely cover the wound with a large, clean, or sterile dressing. Apply pressure to control bleeding but do not press on a protruding bone.

2- Carefully place clean padding over and around the dressing.

3- Secure the dressing and padding with a bandage .

4- Immobilise the injured part as for a closed fracture, and arrange to transport the victim to hospital.

5- Treat for shock if necessary Monitor and record vital signs-level of response , pulse, and breathing. Check the circulation beyond the bandage every 10 minutes.

First Aid For Joint Dislocation

1-advise the victim to keep still . Support the injured part, in a position of maximum comfort for the victim, before you immobilise it.

2- Immobilise the injured part with padding , bandage ,and slings. For firm support , bandage the injured part to an unaffected part of the body.

3-Arange for transport ,check vital signs and check circulation.

Sprains And StrainsSprains : It is form of ligament injury Strains : It is over stretched of muscle and tendons First Aid For Sprains and Strains .Remember the acronym RICE in emergency procedure for sprains and strains:

R Rest I IceC Compression. E Elevation

1- Advice the victim to sit or lie down. Support the injured part in a comfortable position

2- If injury has just happened, cool the area by applying an ice pack or cold compress This reduce swelling , bruising , and pain.

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3- Apply gentle , even pressure (compression) to the injured part by surrounding the area with a thick layer of soft padding , such as cotton wool or plastic foam , and securing this layer of padding with a bandage .

4- Arise (elevate) and support the injured part to reduce the flow of blood to the injury. This action will help to minimise bruising in the area.

5- If the pain is sever, or the victim is unable to use the injured part , take or send the victim to hospital. Otherwise , advice the victim to rest and to see her doctor if necessary.

Injury to The Ribcage

1- For fractured ribs, support the arm on the injured side in an arm sling and take or send him to hospital.

2- If there is a penetrating chest wound , lead the victim towards the affected side, and cover and seal the wound along three edges.

3- Help the victim to settle into the most comfortable position inclined towards the injured side.

4- Support the arm on that side in an elevation sling.

First Aid Of The unconscious With Spinal Injury

1- Kneel behind the victim’ s head. Steady and support her head in the neutral head position, in which the head, neck, and spine are aligned.

2- If necessary, open the victim’s airway using the jaw thrust method Place your hands on each

side of her face with your fingertips at the angles of her jaw. Gently lift the jaw to open the airway.

3- Check the victim’s breathing ,if she is breathing, continue to support her head.

4- If you are alone and you need to leave the victim to call an ambulance, you should turn her into the recovery position before you leave her.

5- If victim is not breathing, and there are no signs of circulation, give rescue breaths and chest compression.

6- If you need to turn the victim, use the log-roll technique. 7- Monitor the victim continuously

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