Back to: Basic CPR/AED & First Aid (Clone)
Injuries to bones, joints, and muscles are common. But without an x-ray, it may be impossible to tell whether a bone is broken or the injury is a sprain. This emergency occurs when a muscle, bone, or joint moves in a direction that it is not supposed to go. This movement can lead to broken bones, sprains, fractures and other injuries.
Causes:
Falling, tripping, motor vehicle accidents, running, walking, exercise, sports, physical activity, sudden impact.
Signs and Symptoms:
Bruising and swelling, bone fragment(s) sticking out, coldness, numbness, discoloration (blue), deformity, inability to use the affected part normally.
Fracture/Broken Bone: A fracture is a complete break, a chip, or a crack in the bone. An open fracture involves an open wound, and is when a bone end tears through the skin. An open fracture is more dangerous and severe. However, a closed fracture is more common.
Dislocation: A dislocation is the movement of a bone at a joint from its normal position. When the bone is moved out of place, the joint no longer functions. Usually dislocations happen at the shoulder, elbow, wrist, jaw, and hip.
Sprain/Strain: A sprain is the tearing of the ligaments at a joint. Sprains mostly occur at the ankle, knee, wrist and fingers. A strain is the stretching and tearing of a muscle. They usually occur in the neck, back, thigh, or the back of the lower leg.
Use RICE method when dealing with a sprain or strain.
Rest: Do not move or straighten the injury.
Immobilize: Try to stabilize the person in the position he/she was found. Splint or sling the injured part only and use caution if moving the person.
Cold: Indirectly cool the part using ice for up to 20 minutes
Elevate: Only elevate the part if it does not cause more pain.
Actions to take for a person with a possible broken bone or sprain:
- Make sure the scene is safe.
- Get the first aid kit.
- Wear PPE.
- Cover any open wound with a clean dressing.
- Put a towel on top of the injured body part. Place a bag filled with ice and water on top of the towel over the injured area for up to 20 minutes.
Phone 911 if:
- There is a large open wound.
- The injured body part is abnormally bent.
- You’re not sure what to do.