If a person is in a vehicle collision one or more bones may be fractured. In that case - anyone administering first aid must behave with great caution.
The symptoms of a fractured bone include (but are not limited to) severe pain at the actual point of the fracture and radiating outward, immediate loss of the ability to move or use the limb in which the bone has been fractured, and an increase in the pain the individual is experiencing when movement is attempted.
If you come upon an accident scene and want to provide help - please consider the following first-aid recommendations.
*First, make sure the victim is out of the way of sustaining further injury.
*Call emergency services immediately. Do not attempt to move the individual if you suspect internal bleeding or fractured bones. To do so may inflict further (even unseen) damage.
*If a bone is visibly jutting through the skin - do not attempt to push it back in.
*Make sure the patient is not having trouble breathing.
*If need be - elevate the broken limb to slightly higher than the heart.
*Cover the wounded area with a dry, clean cloth to avoid further contamination until medical help arrives.
Of course, alternatives in emergencies include splinting a bone or carefully putting it in a sling. If you want to ensure that you have the necessary and proper skills to perform this type of advanced first aid - contact your local Red Cross or similar agency and enroll in professionally conducted first aid classes. It is also amazing what you can learn on Youtube for free.
Greg Baumgartner represents people who have been seriously injured or families who have lost a loved one in a truck accident on US 290 or other highway across Texas and is the founder of the Baumgartner Law Firm, a Texas personal injury law firm committed to helping families seek civil justice after a 18 wheeler accident. For a free no obligation consultation on a serious accident, please contact our personal injury law firm in Texas.
