First aid for fractures and sprains
Acting correctly in the first minutes after an injury protects the bone and joint. Learn what to do and what to avoid before reaching the emergency department.
Suspect a fracture or severe sprain when there is severe pain, swelling, a change in the shape of the limb, inability to move it or put weight on it, or a snapping sound at the time of injury.
What to do:
- Stop activity at once and do not try to walk on or move the injured limb.
- Hold the limb in the position you found it with a temporary splint (a wooden board or rolled magazine) and a bandage that is not tight, covering the joint above and below the break.
- Apply a cold pack wrapped in cloth (never ice straight on the skin) for 15 to 20 minutes to reduce swelling.
- Raise the limb slightly if it does not hurt.
- If there is a bleeding wound, press on it with a clean cloth and cover it; do not push exposed bone back.
What to avoid:
- Do not try to “set” the bone, massage it or pull it.
- Do not give food or drink if the person may need anaesthesia or surgery.
- Do not move someone with a suspected neck or back injury unless necessary; leave it to the ambulance crew.
A simple sprain (the ankle, for example): follow rest, ice, light compression and elevation for the first two days, then start gradual movement. If you cannot put weight on the foot after the injury, or pain and swelling last more than a few days, see a doctor for an X-ray.
Call an ambulance (123 in Egypt) if the fracture is open (bone visible), the limb is cold, blue or pulseless, the injury involves the neck, back, pelvis or thigh, or follows a serious accident.
This is general health information. It does not replace seeing a doctor and having your own condition examined.
