Open & Closed Fractures

Open & Closed Fractures

Open Fractures

Step 1: • Cover the wound with a sterile or large, clean, gauze pad.

Step 2: • Apply pressure around the injury to control bleeding.

Step 3: • Be careful not to press on protruding bone.

Step 4: • Carefully place a sterile wound dressing or more clean padding over and around the dressing.

Step 5: • Secure the dressing and padding with a bandage.

Step 6: • Bandage firmly, but not so tightly that it impairs circulation beyond the bandage.

Step 7: • Immobilize (prevent from moving) the injured part as for a closed fracture.

Step 8: • Arrange to transport victim to the hospital.

Step 9: • Treat the victim for shock by laying the person down, begin CPR if necessary & treat obvious injuries.

Step 10: • Do not raise the injured leg.

Step 11: • Monitor vital signs-level of response, breathing and pulse while waiting for help to arrive.

Step 12: • Check circulation every 10 minutes by looking if their bleeding, have a pulse and what their skin is like.

Step 13: • If circulation is impaired, loosen the bandages.

Closed Fractures

Step 1: • Advise the victim to keep still.

Step 2: • Support the joints above and below the injury with your hands until it is immobilized with a bandage in the position it was found.

Step 3: • Place padding around the injury for extra support.

Step 4: • Call 911 for emergency help for a leg injury.

Step 5: • For firmer support, secure the injured part to an unaffected part of the body.

Step 6: • Move the uninjured leg to the injured one and secure with broad fold bandages.

Step 7: • Always tie knots on the uninjured leg.

Step 8: • Do not raise the injured leg.

Step 9: • Monitor vital signs while waiting for help.

Step 10: • Check circulation every 10 minutes by looking if their bleeding, have a pulse and what their skin is like.

Step 11: • If circulation is impaired, loosen the bandages.

Open & Closed Fractures