Fractures

Whenever there is a fracture, the priority of the rescuer is to immobilize the fracture and avoid any unnecessary movement. Fractures are divided into two categories; closed, when the skin around the injury is not damaged, and open, when there is a wound caused by the fracture and the bone may be visible.

The following paragraph outlines some guidelines on the treatment of fractures;

1) Immobilise the fracture to prevent further injury. Steady the fracture by placing your hands above and below the site of injury. Limb fractures can be immobilized by using a rigid object or, in the case of lower limbs, by securing the affected limb to the good one.

2) Treat any bleeding with a sterile gauze.

3) Do not attempt to push in any bone protruding from an open fracture.

4) If the casualty has a lower limb fracture, the leg can be straightened by applying gentle traction before immobilization. Pull until the fracture is immobilized and then release the pressure gradually.

In case of a suspected back injury, do not move the casualty unless there is an imminent danger to life. Moving the casualty without extreme care may cause permanent damage to the spinal chord and nerves. Always suspect a spine injury if the casualty has fallen more than 2 metres or if the accident involved a violent fall forward or backwards bending. The following paragraphs outline some guidelines on the treatment of suspected spinal injuries.

1) If the casualty is conscious, tell them not to move.

2) Steady the casualty’s head by placing your hands against the sides of the head.

3) If there is suspected injury to the neck, provide support with rolled-up clothing or other soft cushioning on either side of the neck and shoulders.

Frostbite

Frostbite is caused when exposed parts of the body, such as fingers or face, are exposed to extreme cold and freeze, resulting in injury. Frostbite may also be accompanied by hypothermia.

The following paragraphs outline some guidelines on the treatment of frostbite.

1) Warm the affected body part with your hands or armpits.

Remove the casualties’ shoes, jewellery and gloves. Do not massage the affected part.

2) Move the casualty into a warm area.

3) Place the affected area in warm water but take care that the water is not too hot as the casualty may have lost the sensation to temperature and burns may occur.

4) Apply a light dressing on the affected area.

5) Treat the casualty for hypothermia (see the description later in this section).

6) Refer to the medical emergency team.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops below 35°C/95°F. This can occur when the casualty has been immersed in cold water for a length of time or is exposed to cold wind. The following paragraphs outline some guidelines on the treatment of hypothermia.

1) Take the casualty to a protected area.

2) Remove any wet clothing and replace with dry clothes.

3) Rewarm the casualty by wrapping them in a sheet, a thermal protection aid or by using the body heat of another person. If the casualty is conscious, they can be rewarmed in a warm bath if they are able to climb into the bath unaided.

4) If casualty is fully conscious, give them a warm drink.

5) Look for signs of frostbite.

6) Monitor the casualty for breathing, pulse and temperature.

Resuscitate if necessary.