Broken bones, sprains, strains and dislocations
Broken bones
1
Keep them still.Ask them not to move, and support the injured part above and below the injury. Use padding to help.
2
Don't try to straighten it.Don't move them unless they're in danger.
3
An open fracture (a wound where the bone has come through): cover it with a sterile dressing, and press around the wound, not on the bone.
4
Call 999 for an open fracture, a broken thigh or other long bone, or a suspected break in the back, neck or pelvis. For other breaks, you may be able to get them to hospital another way.
5
Watch for shock.Don't raise their legs if either might be broken.
Signs of a broken bone
Pain, swelling, bruising or an odd shape; difficulty moving it; a limb that looks shorter or twisted; a grating feeling; or bone showing through the skin.
Dislocations
- Don't try to put the joint back in. It can cause more damage.
- Support it in the most comfortable position. Use a sling for a shoulder or elbow, or padding and broad bandages for a knee, ankle or hip.
- Take off any watch or rings before it swells.
- Call 999.
Sprains and strains
- Protect it, and rest it: stop the activity and keep weight off it.
- Ice: a wrapped ice pack, or frozen veg in a tea towel, for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
- Compression: a bandage to support it during the day.
- Elevation: keep it raised on a pillow as much as possible.
- For the first few days, avoid heat, alcohol and massage.
Get it checked
Go to A&E if they heard a crack, the area has changed shape, it's numb or tingling, or the skin around it has changed colour.