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First Aid for Fractures

 First aid for fractures should be a conscious choice based entirely upon the severity of the injury, site of the fracture and the individual circumstance in each case and there can be no generalizations applicable to all cases.

In the case of fractures caused by a bad fall or an accident, it is best not to move the injured person until qualified help arrives as moving the fractured limb may make matters worse. However in the case of physical danger to the person in an accident in the middle of the road, care should be taken to move the person gently with adequate support to immobilize the broken bone, without any jerky motion so as not to exacerbate the  injury. Open and bleeding wounds need to be attended, dressed and cleaned in order to stop the bleeding. Ice may be applied to reduce the swelling. Splints to support the broken limb may be applied if the person needs to be moved to safety before medical help arrives. Fractures in the shoulder, neck, spine and ribs can have serious consequences if the injured person is moved without the affected part being sufficiently supported.