Broken bone

If more pressure is put on a bone than it can stand, it will split or break. A break of any size is called a fracture. If the broken bone punctures the skin, it is called an open fracture

Symptoms

A visibly out-of-place or misshapen limb or joint

Swelling, bruising, or bleeding

Intense pain

Numbness and tingling

Broken skin with bone protruding

Limited mobility or inability to move a limb

Check the person's airway and breathing. If necessary, call 911 and begin rescue breathing, CPR, or bleeding control.

Keep the person still and calm.

Examine the person closely for other injuries.

In most cases, if medical help responds quickly, allow the medical personnel to take further action.

If the skin is broken, it should be treated immediately to prevent infection. Don't breathe on the wound or probe it. If possible, lightly rinse the wound to remove visible dirt or other contamination, but do not vigorously scrub or flush the wound. Cover with sterile dressings.

If needed, immobilize the broken bone with a splint or sling. Possible splints include a rolled up newspaper or strips of wood. Immobilize the area both above and below the injured bone.

Apply ice packs to reduce pain and swelling.

Take steps to prevent shock. Lay the person flat, elevate the feet about 12 inches above the head, and cover the person with a coat or blanket. However, DO NOT move the person if a head, neck, or back injury is suspected.

Do Not

Do not move the person unless the broken bone is stable.

Do not move a person with an injured hip, pelvis, or upper leg unless it is absolutely necessary. If you must move the person, pull the person to safety by his clothes (such as by the shoulders of a shirt, a belt, or pant-legs).

Do not move a person who has a possible spine injury.

Do not attempt to straighten a bone or change its position unless blood circulation appears hampered.

Do not try to reposition a suspected spine injury.

Do not test a bone's ability to move.