chapter 11: musculoskeletal injuries. 151 american red cross first aid–responding to emergencies...
TRANSCRIPT
Chapter 11: Musculoskeletal Injuries
AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITIONCopyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross
All rights reserved.2
Injuries to the Musculoskeletal System
Injuries to the musculoskeletal system can be classified according to the body structures that are damaged. Some injuries may involve more than one structure.
Four basic types of musculoskeletal injuries are—
Fracture
Dislocation
Sprain
Strain
AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITIONCopyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross
All rights reserved.3
Common Signals of Musculoskeletal Injuries
Signals of serious injury:
Deformity
Moderate or severe pain or discomfort, swelling and discoloration
Inability to move or use the affected body part
Bone fragments protruding from a wound
Victim feels bones grating or felt or heard a snap or pop at time of injury
Loss of circulation or sensation in an extremity
Tingling, cold or bluish color below the site of the injury
Cause of the injury that suggests the injury may be severe
AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITIONCopyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross
All rights reserved.4
Care for Musculoskeletal Injuries
Check first for any life-threatening conditions.
Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if —
The injury involves the head, neck or back.
The injury impairs walking or breathing.
You see or suspect a fracture or dislocation.
You see or suspect multiple musculoskeletal injuries.
Check for any non-life threatening conditions and care for any other injuries.
AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITIONCopyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross
All rights reserved.5
General Care
The general care for musculoskeletal injuries includes following RICE:
Rest
Immobilize
Cold
Elevate
If you are unsure whether the injury is serious, care for it as if it is a serious injury.
Take steps to minimize shock.
Comfort and reassure the victim.
AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITIONCopyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross
All rights reserved.6
Review
Sometimes it is difficult to tell whether an injury is a fracture, dislocation, sprain or strain.
If you cannot be sure which type of injury a victim might have, care for the injury as if it were serious.
If EMS personnel are on the way, do not move the victim.
Control any bleeding.
Take steps to minimize shock and monitor breathing and signs of circulation.
Questions?