RV TRAVEL FIRST AID FOR FRACTURES

A fracture is a break in a bone.

There are two classifications of fractures, closed fractures and open fractures. Closed fractures include any fracture where the bone does not penetrate the skin (the skin stays closed). Open fractures occur when a bone or bone fragment breaks through the skin or the skin and bone are broken in a traumatic, crushing injury. All fractures (or suspected fractures), no matter how minor, should be taken seriously. CALL IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE OR GO GO TO THE HOSPITAL.

SIGNS
Pain in the injured area, swelling in the injured area, obvious deformity in the injured area, difficulty using or moving the injured area in a normal manner, warmth, bruising, or redness in the injured area.

FIRST AID
The aims of First Aid here are:
. To prevent further damage
. To reduce pain
. To make the patient feel comfortable
. To get medical aid as soon as possible

Fractures often occur along with other injuries. Heavy bleeding is more urgent and requires higher priority care over a fracture.
If there is no danger to life then temporary attention to the fracture is often sufficient.
Handle the person very gently. Avoid all unnecessary movement.
Keep the person warm, comfortable, and reassured.

Treat for shock if present:
If the broken ends of the bones show out, do not wash the wound or apply antiseptics to the end of the bone.
Do not handle the fracture unnecessarily.
Never attempt to reduce the fracture or to bring the bones to the normal position.
Stabilise and support the injured part so that no movement is possible. This stops further injury and helps to control the bleeding.