Fractures

A fracture is a break or crack in a bone, as well as bones that are broken all the way through. Fractures are generally classified as open or closed.

An open fracture usually occurs when a limb is severely bent, causing the ends of the bone to tear the skin, and surrounding soft tissues.

A closed fracture leaves the skin unbroken and is more common than open fractures.

Signs and Symptoms

• Pain, swelling and deformity 
• Discoloration of the skin 
• Tenderness 
• Movement of limb difficult or impossible 
• Coarse grating sound if the bones are rubbing together

First Aid Management 

• DRABCD 
• Control any bleeding 
• Handle gently and immobilise if possible 
• Check for adequate circulation 
• Seek medical attention

What should you do?

We all respond to emergencies in different ways.

Whether trained or untrained, some of us are afraid we will do the wrong thing and make the situation worse.

If you are unsure about what to do, call for an ambulance.

The worst thing to do is to do nothing.