First Aid - Sprains, dislocations and fractures

Sprains, dislocations and fractures

These occur when a joint is twisted by tripping or falling, or by a sudden wrench. In a sprain the joint is not displaced, while in a dislocation part of the joint is displaced.

Dislocation of the shoulder joint

Signs and symptoms    

1.Severe pain in the joint.       

2.Swelling of the joint   

3.Bruising around the joint    

4.Reduced  movement  of  the joint

5.Deformity of the joint (only a dislocation)       

6.Signs   of   shock   may   be  present

joint  in the  most  comfortable position.

1.Rest and support the injured

2.Treat for shock if present

3.Transfer  the  patient  to  the hospital.

4.Inform the medical aid

Treatment

1.Rest and support the injured joint  in the  most  comfortable position.

2.Apply a  cold  compress and bandage the joint firmly.

3.Inform the medical aid If there is dislocation

Fractures

A fracture is a broken bone, it may be cracked, broken into two or more pieces.

Further fractures may be classified :

            Closed: there is no wound leading down to the bone and there is no bone protruding through the skin Open: there is a wound reaching form the skin right down to the broken bone, or the broken bone may protrude through the wound

You must remember the following rules when dealing

with a fracture:

            All fractures should be given first aid treatment and sent to the hospital.

            Interfere as little as possible with a fracture and do only what is absolutely necessary to prepare the patient for the transfer to the hospital.

            Immobilize the fractured part.

Signs and symptoms

            History of a fall or a fit.

            Pain at the site or near the site of fracture

            Inability to move the fractured limb

            Swelling at the site of fracture

            Fracture may be felt

            Movement at the place where there should be no movement

            Broken end of bone seen protruding under the skin.

Treatment

            Place the patient in a comfortable position with the injured part well supported

            Do not remove clothing

            Immobilize the injured part by using a splint and bandages

            Always immobilize the joint above and below the fracture site

            Treat for shock, but do not give any drink, as the patient may have to have an anaesthesia for setting the fracture on arrival to the hospital.

Inform the medical aid If the fracture is an open one, in addition to the six steps mentioned, carry out the following

            Cut away

            Remove the clothing over the wound and

            Cover it with a clean dry dressing.

            Stop any bleeding by applying a pad and bandage.

            If the bleeding is severe and comes out in spurts

            Apply a tourniquet.