Bone fractures are a common type of injury, especially in children, sports players and the elderly. Although they are not usually life threatening, fractures should be managed quickly and effectively to ensure they heal properly. First aid for fractures can reduce pain, prevent further injury and improve healing outcomes for the patient.
In this guide to first aid for fractures and broken bones, we explain the different types of fractures and the first aid steps you should take to treat them effectively.
What is a bone fracture?
A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. It occurs when the bone encounters a force that is too much for it to bear.
Fractures are commonly caused by trauma such as car accidents, sporting injuries or bad falls, but they can also be caused by overuse and medical conditions such as osteoporosis.
There are different types of bone fractures, varying in severity. Some fractures cause minor pain and heal quickly with professional help. Others can be life-threatening injuries with major bleeding, severe pain and additional complications caused by the broken bone.
How bone fractures are classified
There are many ways to classify a bone fracture. You can classify the fracture in terms of the specific bone broken, the type of breakage and whether or not the injury affected other parts of the body.
Medical professionals often refer to bone fractures as open, closed or complicated.
- Open fractures occur when the breaking of the bone causes the skin to tear. In some cases, the bone may protrude through the skin. Open fractures are also referred to as compound fractures.
- In closed fractures, the skin remains intact. Even though there is no external bleeding, a closed fracture may cause internal bleeding around the bone. Closed fractures are also referred to as simple fractures.
- Complicated fractures describe fractures that cause further damage to the body. For example, damaging surrounding nerves, blood vessels or organs.
Fractures can also be classified as direct or indirect:
- Direct fractures occur when the bone breaks or cracks in the place where a force was applied.
- Indirect fractures occur when a force is applied to one point of the body, travels through the body and causes a break or crack in a different area.
Some fractures result in a crack in the bone, others result in a full breakage. Medical professionals use partial and complete to describe the level of breakage.
- Partial fractures result in an incomplete break or crack in the bone.
- Complete fractures result in a full breakage of the bone in which the bone is in two or more pieces.
Types of fractures
Some of the most common types of fractures include:
- Transverse fracture – occur when the bone is broken perpendicular to its length. Usually affects longer bones in the body after a fall or accident.
- Oblique/displaced fracture – occur when the bone is broken at an angle, and moves out of alignment.
- Oblique/nondisplaced fracture – occur when the bone is broken at an angle, but stays in alignment.
- Hairline fracture – a type of stress fracture caused by repeated stress to the bone, usually from activities like running and jumping.
- Greenstick fracture – a small, slim crack in the bone.
- Comminuted fracture – when the bone is shattered into many different pieces.
- Avulsion fracture – a part of the bone is pulled away due to intense muscular action.
- Compression fracture – the bone buckles because of intense pressure, usually caused by two bones being pushed together.
- Spiral fracture – caused by a twisting motion or force.
First aid for fractures
Follow these steps when providing first aid for fractures or a suspected fracture:
- Follow DRSABCD.
- Tell the patient not to move.
- Apply direct pressure to wounds using a sterile Aerowound dressing or a clean cloth to stop bleeding.
- Check for other fractures and injuries.
- Immobilise the injury and the surrounding joints. Use a splint for fractures to the limbs. Use a sling to support an injured arm or collarbone.
- Check for signs of circulation loss.
- Seek professional help.
How to apply a splint
A splint is used to prevent movement of the fracture site, reduce the risk of further injury and assist with pain management. Splints can be used for fractures affecting the limbs. You should use a rigid splint for arm and leg fractures and a flexible splint for ankle and wrist fractures.
When applying a splint:
- Use a purpose designed splint from a first aid kit or if not available, use a found object that can act as a splint such as a plank of wood or rolled up newspaper.
- Position the splint and the injured limb as naturally as possible.
- Ensure the splint extends beyond the injury site in both directions.
- Use broad bandages to attach the splint above and below the fracture site.
- Keep checking the patient’s circulation while you wait for medical help.
First aid for a compound fracture (open fracture)
For compound fractures (open fractures) it is important to manage any bleeding and immobilise the injury.
- Do not attempt to move or straighten broken bones as this can cause further injury.
- Place a sterile wound dressing or clean cloth over the wound and apply direct pressure to the wound.
- Do not apply direct pressure to the protruding bone. Apply pressure to the sides of the wound if a bone is protruding.
- Secure the wound dressing to the injured area using a crepe bandage.
- Immobilise the injured arm or leg using a splint.
First aid for rib fractures
Rib fractures are not usually life-threatening injuries, but in some cases a broken rib can pierce organs in the chest causing serious harm. Rib fractures can be very painful. You may notice the person wheezing or having difficulty breathing, and they may have blood in their saliva.
First aid treatment for rib fractures:
- Follow DRSABCD if the patient is unconscious.
- Move the patient to a more comfortable position.
- Encourage them to take short breaths to avoid pain.
- Position padding over the injury and use a wide bandage to secure the padding and the arm on the injured side of the body.
- Immobilise the arm using a sling.
- Call 000.
First aid for open book pelvic fractures
Open book pelvic fractures are one of the most serious types of fractures, often causing serious blood loss and pain. Pelvic fractures are commonly caused by vehicle accidents, falls from a height and crush injuries. Emergency medical help should be called immediately if you suspect a pelvic fracture.
First aid responders can use a SAM pelvic sling to stabilise pelvic fractures. The SAM pelvic sling reduces movement of the lower limbs, prevents additional injury and assists in managing blood loss.
LFA First Response a leading supplier of first aid equipment for fast and effective treatment in emergency situations. Speak to our friendly customer service team on 1800 681 544 about how we can assist you.
