Fractures are brakes in the bones. A simple fracture is one where there is no wound on the skin. A compound fracture is one where a broken bone protrudes through the skin.
First Aid:
- Don’t lift the victim. Let him lie flat on the ground or where you found him. Don’t massage or use any herbal concoction or poultice on the fracture.
- Examine the body for bleeding but do not move the extremities. If he is conscious, ask him where it hurts.
- When the fracture is identified, immobilize the body part. Get two pieces of wood or sticks and splint the fractured leg or arm. Cut out his clothes or his shirt to lie the splint if the strings are not available. Handkerchiefs may be used, if available, to lie the splint.
- The splint should be placed to limit the movement of the joints. The fractured arm can be tied up on the other leg if splint materials are not available.
- Transport the victim carefully and right away to the nearest hospital for immediate care.
