Treating fractures and dislocations can be a simple process. However, correctly identifying this type of injury is important and assist a patient with dealing with the pain and discomfort.
- Identifying a fracture or dislocation:
- pain or tenderness at the site of the injury
- swelling. Immediate swelling is often a strong sign there is an acute injury like a break.
- discolouration, redness, bruising
- deformity. A change in shape of a limb or a hollow in a joint like the shoulder (see image below) can be a sign of a dislocation.
- the patient heard a cracking or snapping sound
How to treat a fracture or dislocation:
- Ask the patient to stay as still as possible. Reassure the patient.
- Control any bleeding and look for other fractures. An open fracture (where the broken bone protrudes from the skin) can cause much bleeding.
- Immobilise the joint by placing a padded splint along the injured limb. In an outdoor setting where padded splints may not be available, the first aider can improvise by using what is at hand (eg- a stick wrapped in a shirt)
- In the case of a shoulder injury like the dislocation shown above, a sling may be used to prevent movement of the joint.
- Secure the splint by passing the bandages above and below the break to prevent movement. Tie the bandages firmly and away from the injured side.
- For a leg fracture, also immobilise the foot and ankle. Support the limb while bandaging.
- Check that the bandages are not too tight and watch for signs of loss of circulation to the limb every 15 minutes.
- Seek medical aid.