First aid for fractures: what can and can not do
Educational Program Health / / December 19, 2019
Cracked or broken bones (no matter where: in the hand, foot, ribs, pelvis ...) is not always obvious. Meanwhile, its sharp edges, hidden under the skin and inside the tissue, may compromise the integrity of the large blood vessels, or even puncture vital organs. Therefore, although in most cases, fractures and are not life threatening, they can be better not to joke. They alwaysFractures (broken bones) require professional medical care.
Depending on the severity of the damage it is necessary either to apply to the emergency room or call an ambulance.
How to understand that this is a broken bone
He often masquerades as usual bruises or minor injuries. But there are signs ofUnderstanding Bone Fractures - SymptomsThat indicate the fracture. Here they are:
- You just fell, strong shock or received other injury.
- The damaged spot is very sore, especially when driving.
- Sometimes the pain is mild, but the injured area numb.
- There was a large purple bruise (a sign of extensive hemorrhage) and edema.
- There is a visible strain: arm, leg, finger taking an unnatural position or become unhealthy bend. Quite obvious symptom - when the broken bone breaks through the skin, and its sharp edges can be seen with the naked eye.
- When you break the skin there is severe bleeding.
Not necessarily that matched all the symptoms listed. For example, in trauma ribs or pelvic deformity may be invisible, but the fracture is extremely dangerous in those areas. But, if you counted at least four points, most likely, this is it. It is necessary to take urgent measures.
When to call an ambulance
Understand that the fracture is life threatening, it can be on several grounds:
- Bone pierced the skin fragments are visible.
- Bleeding is very abundant, or subcutaneous hematoma is rapidly growing. This is a symptom that a person loses a lot of blood.
- Even a light touch to affected area causing severe pain.
- Limb or joint look obviously deformed.
- Fingers, hand, or foot numb sensitivity and / or blue with up to a total loss.
- The victim does not answer questions, not breathing or moving.
- Are you suggesting that the injury could suffer neck bones, head or back.
Even if the injury seems minor to you, and you, by consulting with symptoms suggesting a break, remember: at least a visit to the emergency room or to the traumatologist - mandatory.
Only a specialist can assess the real extent of damage and no risk to the vital blood vessels, nerves or organs. Most likely, it will take x-rays.
How to give first aid for fractures
The sequence of actions can vary depending on the specific situation. If a man cries out in pain, for a start it is necessary to give analgesic medication. If the feeling of tolerance, but of wounds implies a lot of blood, it should first of all apply a tourniquet, and only then proceed to other items first aid.
take it easy
To overcome the shock, and the victim, and the one who helps him, it is important to breathe correctly - and deeply. Remember that very soon will be engaged in medical fracture.
Try not to move the injured area
While you are waiting for an ambulance or go to the emergency room, try to keep still the damaged parts of the body.
If you suspect a fracture of the neck bones, head or back movement banned! Otherwise there may be a new injury.
stop the bleeding
Stop the bleedingIf it is. Attach to the wound sterile dressing or a clean cloth (it can be and clothing) to block the consequent blood.
If you talk about the limbs, you can use the tourniquet. Pull them tight arm or leg a few centimeters above the wound.
Splint
If the injured limb as much as possible, try to immobilize the joints above and below the expected fracture site. As a rule, this splint - board, line, rod, collapsed magazine or newspaper ...
Bus must be tight, but not tight fix bandages, adhesive or tape. How to do it, you can see in this simple form:
Reduce pain
can give analgesic - the most powerful of those that are available to you. For example, based on the ibuprofen, paracetamol or ketorolac.
To reduce swelling and relieve pain, apply to the injured region ice pack, wrapped in a thin towel or other cloth.
What not to do with a broken
- Trying to align a bone or if it looks out, push it back.
- Deliver the victim to the emergency room or the ambulance on the principle "if only faster." Even if the question of the damaged finger, transportation should be as careful not to accidentally make the situation worse.
- Try to give pain medication or water, the man who is in a semiconscious state he could choke.
- Ignore obvious symptoms fracture (they are listed in the first section) and hope that will carry. Even if you do not hurt the vital organs and blood vessels, trauma can affect the nerves, which then grow into a violation of the mobility and chronic pain.
see also🧐
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