1. Broken Bones and Sprains
First Aid
Broken Bones and Sprains

2. Joint sprains happen when joints move in a directions they are not supposed to go
Without an x-ray it may be impossible to tell whether a bone is broken
You will perform the same actions even if you don’t know whether the bone is broken

3. Signs
Swelling
Joint may turn blue

4. Action Steps Check scene safety Cover any open wound with dressing
Put plastic bag filled with ice and water on injured area with a towel in between for 20 minutes
Phone or ask someone to phone 911 if:
There is a large open wound
Injured part is abnormally bent
Not sure what to do

6. Don’t straighten any body part that’s bent or deformed
** Don’t straighten any body part that’s bent or deformed. **Don’t move a broken bone that has come through the skin

7. Splinting Keeps injured body part from moving
At times you may have to splint an arm or leg, but most of the time health care providers provide splints

8. Action Steps for Splinting
Make sure scene is safe. Get first aid kit. Wear PPE
To make a splint use something that will keep the arm or leg from moving
Roll up towels, magazines, and pieces of wood can be used as splints

10. Splinting
Place splint so that extends beyond the injured area and supports the joints above and below the injury
Tie the splint to the injured body part
Make sure injured person is seen by a health care provider
You should be able to put a few fingers between the splint and the injured body

11. Important
Leave bent and deformed body parts in their bent or deformed body positions as you apply the splint. If a broken bone has come through the skin, cover the wound with a clean dressing, and splint