First Aid Treatments for Long Bone Fractures

Your bones are your body’s framework. Long bones, in particular, not only allow you to stand erect and facilitate movement, but also contain your bone marrow, which plays an important role in blood cell formation and fat storage. If not recognized and treated promptly, a long bone fracture can lead to severe bleeding and in worst cases, fat embolism.

Missed our previous article? Find it here: Types and Classification of Long Bone Fractures

Before bringing yourself to our Palm Springs Urgent Care Clinic, there are first aid treatments you can apply to relieve pain and prevent further injury. But, before you can do so, you should first recognize the following signs and symptoms of a fracture:

• Swelling and tenderness on the injured site
• Misalignment and obvious deformity in the bone structure
• Inability to move or put pressure on the injured limb
• Pain, especially with movement
• Visible and open wound

Apart from watching out for the tell-tale signs, assess the risks before applying first aid. Is the injured person conscious? Is there any visible bleeding? Did the patient hit his head?

For unconscious and confused patients, refrain from moving any body part until you have a clear idea of the incident. Immediately call 911 for help.

First Aid Treatment

If you are not capable of applying the following first aid treatment to yourself, ask a friend to do it for you.

• Take care of any bleeding

Always address any bleeding first as you could lose a lot of blood and then lose consciousness before help arrives. You might need to put a tourniquet on the open wound to prevent yourself from bleeding out. Apply care, however, as improper handling could break the bones further

• Immobilize the injured limb

The next important thing to do is to immobilize the injury by preparing a sling or splint that will support the affected limb:

• Sling: This is typically applied to long bone fractures of the arms. Cut a piece of cloth from a blanket or pillow case - it should be about 40 inches in diameter. Fold diagonally to the shape of a triangle and then slip one edge over the arm and shoulder to cradle an injured arm. Tie the sling on the neck and use a safety pin to fasten the sling near the elbow to your clothes or sleeves. If no cloth is available, use a pantyhose, necktie or a big towel.  
• Splint: Splints are used for long bone fractures of the arms or legs. Fold up magazines or newspapers and then wrap them around the injury with a heavy piece of cloth, such as a towel. Tie this makeshift splint with pieces of cloth or string. Aside from magazines, you could also use a flat and hard item, such as a piece of wood or a board, if you can find some.

• Apply a cold compress

To prevent further swelling, put an ice pack on the injured site. Never apply the ice directly to the skin, as this can cause tissue damage.

Go to our Urgent Care in Palm Springs Walk-in Medical Center to get the best treatment you need.

A fracture needs immediate medical treatment to prevent complications, which might further delay the healing process. After applying first aid, visit our Urgent Care in Palm Springs Clinic immediately and we will assess you properly by performing a thorough physical assessment and X-ray procedures. Our medical staff will provide the best treatment and ensure you heal properly. For your convenience, we are open seven days a week, with no appointment necessary! Visit our website for more information about the medical services we provide.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.