Rescuer in orange protective gear applying a leg splint to an injured casualty during a fracture first aid response in an outdoor environment.

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What is Fracture?

Types of Fractures

Signs & Symptoms

Pre-Hospital Treatment

Splinting Techniques

Improvised splintings

Special Situations

Key Takeaways

Dos, Don'ts & Pro Tips

FAQs

Comparison illustration of a healthy bone and a fractured bone showing a complete break with displacement on a white background.

What is Fracture?

A Fracture is a break or crack in a bone. It can be partial or complete. Proper immobilization helps reduce pain and prevent further injury.

Medical infographic comparing closed and open fractures, illustrating intact skin in a closed fracture and a mild open fracture with a skin wound, along with key first aid considerations.
Trained rescuer applying a rigid splint to an injured lower leg using padded support and bandages to immobilize a suspected fracture.

What is Splinting?

Applying a device to stabilize any painful, swollen, or deformed body part. The primary objective of splinting is to prevent further movement of body parts.

Medical infographic illustrating five basic types of splints: rigid splint, conforming splint, traction splint, sling and swathe, and improvised splints used for fracture immobilization.
Medical infographic illustrating the general rules for splinting, including patient communication, bleeding control, PMS assessment, proper padding, joint immobilization, and safe fracture management techniques.
Medical infographic comparing dislocation, sprain, and strain with anatomical illustrations, affected joints, key characteristics, and common signs and symptoms.
Medical infographic illustrating the common signs and symptoms of a musculoskeletal injury, including deformity, pain, crepitus, swelling, bruising, exposed bone, joint locking, numbness, and poor circulation.
Medical infographic illustrating the pre-hospital assessment and first aid management of suspected fractures, dislocations, and sprains, including initial assessment, D.O.T.S. examination, C.S.M. checks, stabilization, and injury exposure.
Medical infographic demonstrating the continuation of pre-hospital care for suspected fractures, dislocations, and sprains, including wound care, splinting, circulation reassessment, cold therapy, and shock management.

Special Situations

  • Suspected Spinal Injury
  • Open Fracture
  • Multiple Fractures
  • Child Fracture

Possible Complications

  • Internal Bleeding
  • Shock
  • Infection
  • Nerve Injury
  • Blood vessel injury
  • Compartment syndrome

Key Takeaways

  • Key casualty still.
  • Immobilize above and below.
  • Control bleeding first.
  • Never force bones straight.
  • Check circulation frequently.
  • Transport safety.

DO's

  • Support injured limb.
  • Immobilize properly.
  • Use padding under splints.
  • Recheck circulation.
  • Keep casualty.
  • Call emergency services.

Don'ts

  • Don't straighten a deformed limb.
  • Don't move unnecessarily.
  • Don't push exposed bone in.
  • Don't tie bandages too tight.
  • Don't allow walking on a suspected leg fracture.
  • Don't ignore numbness.

Pro Tips

  • Pad before you splint.
  • immobilize above & below the injury.
  • Check PMS- Perfusion, Motor function & sensation.
  • When in doubt, splint it.
  • Keep the casualty warm.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an open fracture and a closed fracture?

A closed fracture occurs when the bone breaks but the skin remains intact. An open fracture involves a broken bone with an associated wound in the skin, increasing the risk of contamination and infection. Open fractures require urgent medical attention.

No. In most situations, immobilize the injured limb in the position found. Gentle realignment should only be considered if there is no pulse or severe circulation compromise, and only by trained responders following established first aid guidelines.

Splinting reduces movement of the injured bone or joint, decreases pain, helps prevent further damage to muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, and makes transportation safer and more comfortable.

What are the signs of a fracture or serious musculoskeletal injury?

Common signs include severe pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, tenderness, inability to move the limb normally, numbness, reduced circulation, or an open wound with a suspected broken bone. These injuries should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Yes. If a commercial splint is unavailable, improvised splints such as cardboard, wooden boards, rolled newspapers, pillows, or blankets can be used, provided they securely immobilize the injured area without restricting blood circulation.

Do not attempt to push protruding bone back into the wound, unnecessarily move the injured limb, force a joint into position, or intentionally check for crepitus (grating sensation). Immobilize the injury and seek medical care as soon as possible.

Reminder

Early and proper immobilization can reduce pain, prevent further injury and improve outcomes. Your calm response can make a big difference.

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