A closed fractureThe broken bone does not

puncture the skin

A complicated fracture can be either closed or open and will involve injury to another part of the body.

An open fractureThe broken bone has punctured

the skin creating a wound & possible infection

FRACTURES

Types of fracture

OpenClosed

Complicated Green Stick

Types of fracture – closed

Types of fracture – open

Types of fracture – open fracture

Types of fracture – open fracture

Dislocation

Dislocated

Normal

CAUSES OF FRACTURES

DIRECT FORCE● For example, slipping on a wet surface and landing on your

back or being struck with a blunt object

INDIRECT FORCE● For example, landing heavily or awkwardly from a fall or a jump

could cause bones to break in the foot. This would be a direct force but bones in the leg, pelvis, spine and skull could also be fractured as a result of the impact and transference of force.

FRACTURES

RECOGNITION

● Pain at the site of the injury● Swelling, deformity and bruising● A wound with an open fracture● Irregularity and abnormal appearance● Lack of movement and power● Shock● It would be obvious with an open fracture that a bone is broken

but with closed fractures it may not be evident. The only way that a fracture can be correctly diagnosed is by X-ray.

FRACTURES

A greenstick fracture can often be mistaken as a sprain or a strain due to pain.

THE TREATMENT OF CLOSED FRACTURES

● Establish that the casualty is

responsive and breathing. Carryout Basic Life Support if necessary

● Immobilize/support the injured part● Leave the casualty in the position

found unless they can move theinjured part to a more comfortableposition

● Treat for shock if necessary● Calm and reassure ● Call 999/112 & monitor.

Effective immobilization sometimes requires

bandages and slings. This should only be

carried out if an ambulance is not

available, or if you need to move the casualty to

a safer place

FRACTURES

TREATMENT OF OPEN FRACTURES

● Treat as for a closed fracture● Control any bleeding and make sure you wear disposable

gloves● Apply sterile dressings around the protruding bone to stop any

movement and minimize the risk of infection● Do not apply any pressure directly on the wound● Support and immobilize the injured part in the position found● Treat for shock● Call 999/112 for an ambulance.

FRACTURES

RECOGNITION● Pain● Swelling● Deformity● Inability to move the affected area

TREATMENT● Treat as a fracture by supporting and

immobilizing in the position found● Do not attempt to put the joint back

in place● Transfer to hospital● Treat for shock if necessary.

DISLOCATIONS

Gently support the injured arm, ask the casualty to assist if

they are able

Place a triangular bandage with its base parallel to the

casualty’s body

Use a safety pin to secure at the elbow or twist the bandage and tuck into the

sling at the back of the arm.

Bring the lower end of the bandage up to meet the upper end at the shoulder

and secure with a reef knot

1

4

2

3

SUPPORT SLING

Place a triangular bandage over the

injury, with one end over the uninjured

shoulder

Examine the injury, ask the casualty to support the injured arm and raise the finger tips to their opposite shoulder

Secure at the shoulder with a reef knot. Secure at the elbow with either a

safety pin or twist the fabric and tuck in.

Tuck the base of the triangular bandage

under the hand, forearm and elbow.

Remember to leave the thumb exposed so you can check circulation

APPLYING AN ELEVATED SLING