Fractures must be attended to with opportunity

Lesions or bone fractures

The pain that is experienced by a fracture can vary from mild to severe, depending on the magnitude of the damage. In some cases, a person suffering from fractures caused by trauma or injury may not be aware that he has broken his bones, as it is not easily visible through the skin. It is only during the X-ray examination that the fractures are revealed.

Inmediate attention

Fractures can range from uncomfortable to extremely painful. Therefore, it is important to pay immediate attention to any person who suffers from a fracture, while emergency help arrives. Since dealing with broken bones is a complicated procedure, you should leave it to the doctors. What you should try to do is provide relief to the patient to prevent further damage or relieve pain.

Here first aid actions are recommended until additional help arrives:

• If there is any type of bleeding, find a way to stop it. In most cases, the danger comes from excessive bleeding rather than from the fracture itself. If you are going to wrap the bleeding area with a cloth, make sure it is clean to avoid infection.

• Place the injured part in the most natural position without causing pain to the injured person. Avoid moving the patient until professional medical assistance arrives.

• If there is pain or inflammation, apply ice packs. Be sure to cover the ice with a cloth or towel. Do not apply ice directly on the skin.

• Most people who suffer from broken bones will suffer a concussion. To relieve them, lay the person down. Keep the leg area elevated as you place the head lower than the trunk.

Making a sling

Follow the following procedures to make a sling when someone suffers from broken arms:

1. Cut a piece of clothing to about 40 square inches.

2. Form a triangle by folding the fabric diagonally.

3. Use one end of the fabric, under the patient's arm, while the other end of the fabric is placed over the shoulder.

4. Tie both ends of the bandage behind the neck.

5. Fix the edge of the bandage, near the elbow, for better stability.

Precautions for broken bones

In severe cases of broken bones, avoid moving the patient unless necessary. Any additional movement can produce more damage and become fatal to the patient. Therefore, you should only try to relieve pain or any other symptom.

For cases involving injuries to the head, neck or back, it is best to wait for emergency help to arrive before trying to do something for the patient.