A fracture is a broken bone. It requires medical attention. After injury or trauma, dial 911 or call for emergency medical assistance if:
The person is unresponsive, isn't breathing and isn't moving. Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if there's no respiration or heartbeat.
There is heavy bleeding.
Even gentle pressure or movement causes pain.
The limb or joint appears deformed.
The bone has pierced the skin.
The extremity of the injured arm or leg, such as a toe or finger, is numb or bluish at the tip.
Take these precautions immediately while waiting for medical help:
Stop the bleeding. If there's bleeding, press directly on the wound with a sterile bandage, a clean cloth or a piece of clothing. Apply pressure until the bleeding stops.
Immobilize the area. Keep the joints above and below the fracture immobilized, but don't try to align the bone back into position. A splint stabilizes the damaged parts and prevents unwanted movement, which could aggravate tissue damage. Proper splinting may reduce pain. The less movement of the affected area, the better.
To design a splint, use a rigid material such as wood, plastic or metal. The splint should be longer than the bone it is splinting and extend above and below the injury. Pad the splint with gauze wherever possible. Pads make the splint more comfortable and help keep the bone straight.
Fasten the splint to the limb with gauze, strips of cloth or string, or even a belt. Start wrapping from the extremity and work toward the body. Splint the limb firmly to prevent motion but not tight enough to stop blood flow.
To splint the lower portion of an arm (forearm): Tie rolled magazines or newspapers around the forearm. Wrap a sling over the shoulder and a band around the sling to help keep the elbow immobilized.
To splint the lower portion of a leg (shinbone): Place the entire leg between two splints. If no splints are available, use the healthy leg as a splint to impede movement of the broken one. If the thighbone is broken, immobilize the hip joint by gently moving the person onto a rigid surface such as a tabletop or door.
Treat for shock. If the person becomes faint or is breathing in short breaths, he or she may be in shock. Lay the person down with the head slightly lower than the trunk and elevate the legs.
