First-Aid Procedures > Fractures (Arm, Wrist and Hand)

Fractures are breaks, cracks, or chips in a bone. A fractured bone that pierces through the skin is called an open fracture. Because of bleeding and the risk of infection, open fractures are potentially the most dangerous. Fortunately, closed fractures, which do not break the skin, are the most common kind. A dislocation occurs when the bone slips out of its normal place in the joint.

The telltale symptoms of a fracture are:

• Acute pain
• Tenderness
• Swelling (may be severe or mild)
• Limited range of movement

FIRST AID FOR A BROKEN ARM, WRIST, OR HAND:
Make a sling to support the arm -

1. Find a large piece of cloth and fold it into the shape of a triangle.
2. Gently slide the wide part of the triangle under the injured arm.
3. Tie the loose ends around the neck. Make sure the sling is tied tight enough to hold the arm snugly but not so tight that you cut off blood flow.
4. If a bone in the forearm or wrist is fractured, gently support the injured area and place the lower arm on a folded newspaper or magazine padded with a towel or pillow. This creates a splint that immobilises and protects the broken bone.
5. Tie the splint around the arm using cloth strips; place the strips on either side of the injured area.
6. After securing the splint, make a sling to support the arm.
7. See a doctor immediately to check for possible damages on the nerves or blood vessels.