A bone fracture is never a good thing. Maybe your friend fell off the bike path or a loved one tripped over the curb. Whatever the case, it may be up to you to provide first aid for fractures he may have received.<\/p>\n
But don\u2019t panic; let your CPR and first aid training<\/a> kick in. In all cases, it\u2019s important the patient gets emergency medical attention\u2014but there are steps you can take to ensure his safety while the ambulance is on its way.<\/p>\n Here are some tips for providing basic first aid for fractures:<\/p>\n What\u2019s the Difference Between a Bone Fracture and a Bone Break?<\/b><\/p>\n The simple answer is there is no difference. A bone fracture<\/b> identifies as any break in the bone and is the term more commonly accepted in medical fields. While you and I may call it a broken bone, they\u2019re really one and the same. This clears up matters a lot when it comes to knowing whether to distribute first aid for fractures or first aid for broken bones!<\/p>\n First Steps for Delivering Fracture First Aid<\/b><\/p>\n If he\u2019s not breathing, you may begin adult CPR<\/a> on him (or child CPR<\/a> if younger) before applying fracture first aid. Apply pressure to any open wounds with gauze or a sterile bandage, but do not attempt to push exposed bone back in.<\/p>\n Some things to remember:<\/p>\n If you are out in the wilderness and don\u2019t have emergency access to fracture first aid, you may have to make a splint. This will immobilize the injured area, stopping it from moving and causing more damage. If you\u2019re first aid certified, you\u2019ll know how to provide this.<\/p>\n How to Ensure You\u2019re Prepared for Fracture First Aid<\/b><\/p>\n Are YOU prepared to provide immediate first aid for fractures? You\u2019d be surprised how many Americans are not.<\/p>\n\n