How to Quickly Give First Aid to a Fracture or Dislocation

If you’re ever with someone who has sustained an injury that involves fractured or dislocated bones, the first thing you need to do is give first aid to  make sure they are in a safe position and do not need immediate medical attention. From there, follow these steps to quickly give first aid to a fracture or dislocation until more help arrives. Remember, your priority should be to keep the injured person calm and still to reduce further damage to their limb and body.

First aid in Case of an Open Fracture

An open fracture is a break in the bone that pierces through the skin. If you see an open fracture, it's important to act quickly to clean and cover the wound. This will help prevent infection. 

First, rinse the wound with clean water. If the bleeding is severe, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth. If the bone is protruding from the wound, do not try to push it back in place. This could cause more damage. Once the bleeding is under control, gently clean around the wound with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection, then cover the wound with a sterile bandage or wrap.And keep the limb immobilize.

First aid in Case of a Closed Fracture

A closed fracture is when the bone is broken but does not comes out of the skin. If you think someone has a closed fracture, it is important to immobilize the limb. The best way to do this is by using a splint. You can make a splint out of anything that will keep the limb from moving, such as sticks, rolled up magazines, or even rulers. Once the limb is immobilized, you should apply ice to the area for 20 minutes at a time to help reduce swelling. Finally, make sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible so that the bone can be properly set and healed.

First aid in Case of Dislocation

If you see a dislocated limb, don't try to push it back into place. This could do more damage. The person will need to see a doctor as soon as possible. For now, try to keep the limb from moving by splinting it in place with whatever you have on hand. If the person is in pain, give them over-the-counter pain medication and apply ice to the area. Once you've done all you can, call 911 and wait for help to arrive.