Things to be followed when a fracture is suspected

Things to be followed when a fracture is suspected
  1. Control bleeding with direct pressure, indirect pressure, or tourniquet only as a last resort.
  2. Treat for shock.
  3. Monitor the airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs).
  4. Remove all jewelry from the injury site, unless the casualty objects. Gently cut clothing away so that you don't move the injured part and cause further damage.
  5. Check the distal pulse of the injured part, if pulse is absent, gently move injured part to restore circulation.
  6. Cover all wounds with sterile dressings, including open fractures. Do not push bone ends back into the skin. Avoid excessive pressure on the wound.
  7. Apply splint - Do not attempt to straighten borken bones.
    • Apply and maintain traction until the splint has been secured.
    • Wrap from the bottom of the splint to the top, firmly but not too tight.
    • Check the distal pulse to ensure that circulation is still present. If the pulse is absent, loosen the splint until circulation returns. Do not move the casualty until the injury has been splinted.
  8. Request medical assistance - All suspected fractures require professional medical treatment.

Last modified: Wednesday, 28 July 2010, 7:00 AM