First Aid for Closed Fractures: A Step-by-Step Guide

Fractures are serious injuries, especially in the wilderness when help is far away. Treat a closed fracture with these steps.

Instructions

• 1

  Assess for fracture (see "How to Assess for Fracture").

• 2

  Immobilize the injury. Any movement is not only very painful but can worsen the injury.

• 3

  Decide whether or not to realign the fractured bone, and realign if necessary (see "How to Realign a Fractured Bone").

• 4

  Clean and dress all wounds (see eHows on wound management).

• 5

  Remove tight clothing, watches, jewelry - anything that could impede circulation.

• 6

  Check circulation, sensation and motion beyond the fracture site.

• 7

  Splint the fracture (see eHows on splinting).

• 8

  Recheck circulation, sensation and motion beyond the fracture site.

• 9

  Elevate the fracture 6 to 10 inches to reduce swelling.

• 10

  Apply cold packs or ice to the fracture, as long as there is no risk of hypothermia or frostbite.

• 11

  Monitor and treat for shock (see eHows on shock).

• 12

  Give ibuprofen if pain is persistent and there are no signs of shock.

• 13

  Proceed with treatment for other injuries.

• 14

  Evacuate.