First Aid for Sports Injuries

BROKEN BONE (Fracture)

When obvious or suspected, seek professional help immediately. Also seek immediate help if the victim's extremities lose circulation.

1. Do not attempt first aid unless victim is bleeding profusely or not breathing.

2. Do not move the injured body part.

3. Do not try to realign a bone break or reposition a broken bone protruding through the skin.

4. Immobilize a fracture with a splint when professional help is not available.

• fractured leg: tie or tape injured limb to the noninjured limb

• fractured arm, elbow bent: tie or tape to chest

• fractured arm, elbow straight: tie or tape to side

5. Tie or pin a pillow as a splint.

6. Cut up and pad a cardboard box for a 3-sided emergency splint.