Treating Fractures

What is a Fracture?

A fracture is a broken or cracked bone. There are a number of signs and symptoms, which can indicate that a person has a fracture:

• Pain.

• The injured part cannot be moved normally.

• The injured part may have an unnatural shape or position.

• There is swelling and sometimes bruising.

• There is loss of strength.

• There may be an irregularity or shortening of the affected limb.

First Aid for Fractures

Treat severe bleeding and breathing difficulties first and only then immobilise the injured part

1. Treat severe bleeding and difficulty in breathing first.

2. Treat on the spot. Avoid unnecessary movement.

3. Immobilise the injured part; splint the joint above and the joint below the injury.