Serving Florida

Erik Helms

Program Director

1-877-282-2071

  Section 4: Bone, Joint, and Muscle Injuries

Injuries to Limbs

Bones, Joints and muscle give the body shape, allow movement and protect vital Internal organs injuries to the bones, joints and muscles of the limbs are common injuries that may be cared for by a first aid provider. Prompt recognition and first aid for limb injuries is Important in reducing pain, preventing further Injury and decreasing permanent damage. If a painful, deformed or swollen limb is blue or extremely pale, activate EMS or your Emergency Action Plan immediately.

Limb Injury
Signs and Symptoms
First Aid

Closed fracture, strain, sprain, dislocation

No open wound

Closed

Sharp pain

Swelling

Deformity

Tenderness

Bruising

Joint locked into position

Anxious, pale, clammy, weakness/fainting

For open or closed Injury:

If necessary, expose the injury by gently cutting away clothing.

If a bone is sticking out of the body, control bleeding by applying gentle pressure around it.

Cover open wounds with a sterile or clean dressing

Remove all jewelry from the injured part and give it to the victim. (injuries cause swelling).

Do not remove shoes or boots unless there is severe bleeding from the foot.

Apply ice to injury to reduce pain, bleeding, and swelling

Improper use of ice packs or other frozen materials can cause a severe frostbite injury.

To prevent a cold injury, place a thin towel or cloth between the cold source and the skin. Limit application to 20 minutes or less.

Gently place your hands above and below the injury site to limit movement and prevent further injury.

Comfort, calm and reassure the victim.

Do Not straighten a painful, swollen, or deformed arm or leg.
Do Not push a bone back under the skin.
Do Not allow the victim to put weight on a leg, ankle or foot injury.

Caution:

Sharp broken bone ends can cut tissue, muscle, blood vessels, and nerves when moved. First aid providers should assume all painful, swollen or deformed injuries to a limb include broken bone ends.

Splinting Limbs

Splinting is the most common procedure for limiting movement.

Apply a splint only if:

EMS personnel are delayed or not available
(i.e., natural disaster, terrorist attack) and you can do so without causing further injury or pain.

Before beginning, gather whatever splinting materials are available. If possible, use at least four ties (two above and two below the fracture) to secure the splints.

A variety of materials can be used to improvise a splint:

Soft: Towels, blankets or pillows tied with bandaging materials or soft cloths.

Rigid: Cardboard, wood, folded magazine, backpackers sleeping pad, etc.

Guidelines
Immobilize above and below the injury.

Splint in the position found.

Pad the splints where they touch any bony part of the body (helps prevent circulation problems).

After splinting, check frequently for swelling, paleness, or numbness. If present, loosen the splint.