Fractures & Spinal Injuries
Fracture
Symptoms:
- Intense pain
- Bruising and swelling
- Injured area looks abnormal
- Difficulty moving affected area
- Shock
- Unconsciousness
What to do:
- Call for an ambulance. While waiting for help:
- Keep the patient still and support affected
area
- Control any bleeding
- Immobilise the injured area
- Apply ice packs to limit swelling and help
relieve pain (ice wrapped in towel or other material – do not apply ice
directly to skin)
- Treat for shock (see below)
Spinal injury
Symptoms:
- Severe pain in neck or back
- Loss of sensation or abnormal sensation,
such as tingling in hands or feet
- Loss of movement or impaired movement
What to do:
- Call for an ambulance
- Do not move casualty unless in immediate
danger – keep the person still
- Support head and neck by placing hands on
either side of head, or by placing heavy towels on either side of the neck
- If CPR is necessary do not tilt the
person’s head
- If you have to roll the person, e.g., due
to vomiting/choking, use at least two other people to help you roll them, while
keeping the person’s head, neck and back aligned.
Shock
Shock can develop following a major injury.
It results in an inadequate supply of oxygen to the tissues of the body. It is
therefore important to be on the look-out for symptoms of shock in any person
who has undergone a major injury.
Symptoms:
- Cool and clammy skin – can appear pale
- Weak and rapid pulse
- Fast, shallow breathing
- Dizziness or confusion
- May lose consciousness.
What to do:
- Lay the person down on their back, with
their legs raised higher then the head
- Keep the person warm and comfortable
- Do not give anything to eat or drink
- Check for signs of breathing and begin CPR
if necessary
- Seek medical help.
