Aarogya - The Wellness Site

What is the first–aid treatment for fractures?

• Keep the patient quiet and do not move the injured part until the extent of the injury has been determined.
• Immobilize or splint the damaged extremity before moving the patient.
• Always move the patient to a hospital in a lying–down position.
• Never sit the patient up or bend or move the injured part any more than its absolutely necessary.

What should one do if a splint is not available?
There is always a piece of wood or a stick or some straight, firm object that can be used as an improvised splint. Furthermore, a fractured arm can be splinted against the body, and a fractured leg can be splinted against the other leg.

Should the splint be padded before being placed alongside a fractured extremity?
Yes. A piece of clothing placed between the injured extremity and the splint will prevent injury from undue pressure.

How should a splint be kept in place?
By tying handkerchief at various places along the splint or by tearing up a shirt and using it as a bandage.

Before applying a splint, what should be done with the fractured limb?
Try to place it in as straight a position as possible. Do it gently so as not to hurt the patient.Fractured limb

What are the best positions in which to splint an arm?
In a straight position; or the arm can be strapped to the side of the body. In this way, the body itself acts as a splint.

What are the best ways to splint a leg?
The opposite leg can be used as a splint so that the injured leg can be straightened and attached to the other leg. This will be form an excellent splint in most instances.

Are special first-aid measures needed in the treatment of compound fractures?

• Yes, the wound must be covered with a clean dressing or if none is available, a clean handkerchief.
• If there is a severe hemorrhage from a compound fractured, it may be necessary to apply a tourniquet temporarily. If bleeding can be controlled by direct pressure over the wound, a tourniquet should not be applied.
• The limb should be splinted, but no attempt should be made to alter the position of the broken fragments.

How long can tourniquets be safely left in place?
A tourniquet should be released every twenty minutes for a few minutes to restore circulation. During this time, pressure with one’s fingers should be applied over the bleeding artery.