Bones & Joints
Fractures (Broken Bones)
Keep the injured limb still, control any bleeding, immobilise with a padded splint or sling, check circulation every 15 minutes, and seek medical aid. Call 000 for open fractures, large bones or signs of shock.
Keep the injured limb still, control any bleeding, immobilise with a padded splint or sling, check circulation every 15 minutes, and seek medical aid. Call 000 for open fractures, large bones or signs of shock.
Signs
- Pain, especially on movement
- Tenderness over the bone
- Swelling and bruising
- Deformity or unnatural position
- Loss of function or weight-bearing
- Grating noise or feeling
- Open wound with bone visible (open fracture)
What to do
- Follow DRSABCD.
- Keep the person still and reassure them.
- Control any bleeding with direct pressure (around exposed bone, not on it).
- Immobilise the limb in the position found, using padded splints or by binding to the body / opposite limb.
- Use a sling for upper limb fractures where possible.
- Check circulation beyond the injury (warmth, colour, pulse) every 15 minutes. Loosen bandages if numbness or coldness develops.
- Treat for shock.
- Seek medical aid. Call 000 for large bones (femur, pelvis), open fractures, multiple fractures or signs of shock.
Do NOT
- Do not try to push a bone back into place.
- Do not give food or water — surgery may be needed.
- Do not move the person unnecessarily.
Questions & answers
How can I tell a fracture from a sprain?
You often can't. Look for deformity, bone poking through skin, grating, severe pain on movement and inability to use the limb. When in doubt, treat as a fracture.
Should I try to straighten a deformed limb?
No. Support the limb in the position found and immobilise with a splint or sling. Realignment is a job for paramedics.
What about an open fracture (bone showing)?
Control bleeding with pressure around — not over — the bone, cover with a clean dressing, immobilise, and Call 000.
Related topics
Sprains and Strains — RICE
Use the RICE method for sprains and strains — Rest, Ice (20 minutes every 2 hours), Compression bandage, and Elevation above heart level. Seek medical aid if pain, swelling or loss of function persist.
Severe External Bleeding
Stop severe bleeding by applying firm, direct, continuous pressure to the wound, lying the person down, and treating for shock while waiting for the ambulance.
Shock (Hypovolaemic / Circulatory)
Shock is a life-threatening drop in blood flow. Signs include pale, cool, clammy skin, weak rapid pulse, nausea and confusion. Lie the person down, treat the cause, keep them warm and call 000.
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