It can be difficult to tell if a person has a broken bone, or a joint or muscle injury. If you’re in any doubt, treat the injury as a broken bone.
If the person is unconscious, has difficulty breathing or is bleeding severely, these must be dealt with first.
If the person is conscious, prevent any further pain or damage by keeping the injury still until you get them safely to hospital. Assess the injury and decide the best way to get them to hospital. If they have a broken finger or arm, you may be able to drive them yourself without causing more harm.
Step One
If they have a broken leg, do not move the person but keep them in the position you found them in.
Step Two
Support the injured part with anything you have handy, for example rolled up blankets or clothes.
Step Three
Apply ice but not directly. Apply the ice with cloths or any other material.
Step Four
Do not give the person anything to eat or drink as they may need a general anaesthetic when they reach hospital.
Step Five
If you think that the person may have shock, lie them down and loosen any tight clothing. Do not raise an injured leg. Otherwise, if their injuries allow, raise their legs above the level of their heart by placing something suitable under their feet such as blankets or cushions.
Step Six
Take the person to see a health care provider. If you think a thighbone is broken or you are unable to move the person, call 911 and have the person taken to the hospital.
Step Seven
Treatment will depend on the nature of the injury. A health care provider will examine the person's leg and likely do an X-ray.
Step Eight
The bone may be realigned and a splint, cast, or brace put on. Surgery may be needed.