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Assessing a situation that requires first aid can be difficult, especially when you're looking for injuries below the skin. Knowing the signs of a fracture can help you stabilize the area and prepare the victim for proper medical attention.

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Steps

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    Check for obvious life-threatening injuries such as heavy bleeding, stopped breathing, signs of internal injury to major organs, or a serious head wound. These should be treated first.
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  2. Check for a Fracture when Performing First Aid Step 2.jpg
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    Assess the likelihood of a fracture. Falls, traffic accidents, or serious fights, for example, are more likely to produce fractures. If in doubt about the cause of the injuries, check for fractures.
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    Calm the victim if they are conscious. It's more difficult to assess someone who is frightened.
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    Get the victim to lie still if he or she is moving around. You should make sure their spine is aligned-if you suspect a spinal injury, do not move the victim ! Unnecessary movement could cause further irritation to a spinal injury. Also check that they are breathing comfortably. If they are conscious, ask to make sure they are in a comfortable position.
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    Check for external signs of a fracture, starting with the head and systematically moving down. Signs to look for are:
    • Extreme swelling
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    • Deformities of the bone and/or joint
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    • Blood pooling under the skin/rapid bruising
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    • Numbness/tingling in the area
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    • Victim reports hearing a snap/crunch/pop during the incident
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  6. 6
    Double check commonly fractured areas:
    • Lower leg
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    • Forearm
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    • Collarbone
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    • Hand
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    • Foot
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    • Lower ribs
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    Stabilize the area if you have assistance-applying splints without prior manual stabilization can further irritate the fracture, casing further damage and/or more pain to the patient. Splint the joint above and the joint below the fracture, or the bones above and below a joint if it is a joint that is fractured. and get professional assistance as soon as possible.
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Tips

  • If you're unsure if an area is fractured, stabilize the area anyway.
    • Better safe than sorry-- untreated fractures can cause serious problems.
    • It may be a severe sprain, a dislocation, or a ligament tear, which also needs stabilization.

Warnings

  • This assessment may miss some fractures, and some serious internal organ and soft tissue injuries. Make sure the victim gets to a hospital for x-rays and examination as soon as possible.
  • Do not attempt to apply a bandage or splint without proper training. An improper bandage can damage the area permanently.
  • If there is a deformity, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO STRAIGHTEN IT, secure it in the position found
  • DO NOT tape a chest injury; this can compromise breathing
  • Do not attempt these steps without proper first aid training.

Things You'll Need

  • First aid kit
  • Phone or radio

Related wikiHows

How to
Splint a Fracture of the Lower Leg

How to
Stop Mild Bleeding During First Aid

Article Info

Categories: Bone Fracture Healing and Treatment | First Aid and Emergencies

In other languages:

Português: Como Verificar a Existência de Fraturas nos Primeiros Socorros

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