Points to pay attention to when giving first aid to people with broken bones

The article was professionally consulted by Department of General Surgery & Anesthesia - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

A fracture occurs when an external force is applied to the bone with a force greater than the bone structure can bear. The emergency treatment of limb fractures is very important, because if the emergency is delayed or wrong, it can affect the ability to move later or even the life of the patient.

Common fracture areas are forearm fracture, shin fracture, wrist fracture, etc. There are many types of fracture with different severity, such as fresh branch fracture, multiple fragment fracture (2 forearm fractures). , fracture of 2 shin bones ), closed fracture, open fracture, pathological fracture, myoclonic fracture, compression fracture.
The principle of first aid for limb fracture is one of the steps of the principle of initial control of trauma cases. Therefore, in trauma care, the basic principles must always be followed:
Treatment of life-threatening injuries Confirmation of the diagnosis is less important. Time is the most important factor No further harm to the patient For fracture resuscitation, the following general principles should be followed:
Follow the general principles of emergency trauma patient care according to priority steps ABCDE:
Airway Breathing, Circulation, Dysfuntion of CNS, Exposure, Environment If multiple trauma is not present, give priority to acute Researching limb fractures according to the following principles:
Breathing (Breathing) Bleeding (Bleeding) Bone (Bone)

During initial fracture first aid, it is important to immobilize the fracture site, as moving the fracture site causes pain, bleeding, and additional damage to surrounding soft tissue, such as blood vessels and nerves, to work. Treatment is more complex.
Therefore, when a fracture is suspected, do not move the patient without preparing safe means.
Broken bones need to be fixed, supported and temporarily fixed to limit the movement of the fracture. Various means of use can be wooden slats, cardboard, and shielding. Often both joints above and below the broken bone must be immobilized. Sometimes simply fixed with a neckband in the case of a broken shoulder or collarbone.
If possible, the fracture should be higher than the heart and apply cold to relieve pain and reduce swelling. Then call an ambulance. Remember not to eat or drink anything until you see a doctor because emergency surgery may be needed.
In case of open fracture, it is necessary to strictly follow the principles of aseptic in first aid, including:
Wash the wound with physiological saline Only disinfect around the wound, do not pour antiseptic or antibiotic into the wound. wound Do not probe the wound, do not push the tip of the bud. 4-layer sterile bandage: a layer of gauze soaked in physiological saline placed directly on the wound, then a layer of absorbent cotton, followed by a thick layer of waterproof cotton, the outermost layer is a pressure bandage. Immobilize in broken position. SAT vaccination, systemic antibiotics, resuscitation.

The notes in fracture emergency are extremely important knowledge that everyone should know to apply in emergency cases. The process of first aid for fractures should absolutely adhere to the principles stated above, so that on the one hand, it does not worsen the injury situation, on the other hand, it helps the first aid to achieve good results and is convenient for later treatment.