FRACTURES AND SOFT TISSUE INJURIES

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FRACTURES AND SOFT TISSUE INJURIES

• A fracture is a broken or cracked bone.
• Types of fractures include
• Open fracture is where skin has been broken and
  bone might protrude from the wound. There will
  be external blood loss.
• Closed fractures This is where the skin has not
  been broken but there might be internal or organ
  damage/internal bleeding
• Complicated fractures This may be open or
  closed with damage to underlying tissues, blood
  vessels or organs i.e. fractured ribs can pierce
  the lung.

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Management of a fracture

• DRABCD and get medical help ASAP
• Keep casualty still
• Handle gently.
• Immobilise the limb.
• Do not place bandages or direct pressure over the
  fracture site.
• Cover wound or control bleeding.
• Support the limb or affected area
• Do not elevate the limb or affected area.
• Provide reassurance.
• Assess for and manage shock
• DO NOT IMMOBILISE A FRACTURE USING SLING/SPLINTS
  IF MEDICAL HELP IS READILY AVAILABLE
• IF IT IS AN OPEN FRACTURE, COVER WOUND WITH A
  LIGHT BANDAGE AND IMMOBILISE THE PROTRUDING BONE
  USING A RING PAD. DO NOT PLACE PRESSURE ON
  PROTRUDING BONE.

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HEAD, NECK AND SPINAL FRACTURES

• Fractured Jaw
• If unconscious, place in recovery position and
  support jaw to keep airway open
• If conscious, ask casualty to support their jaw
  if possible and assist them to sit in position of
  most comfort
• Management of head, neck and spinal fractures
• Immobilise the head, neck and spine to prevent
  any form of movement
• Closely monitor for signs of life.

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FRACTURED SKULL

• Skull fractures can result in bleeding under the
  scalp, in the brain, and visible bleeding or
  straw coloured fluid leaking from the ear and/or
  nose.
• Supporting the head, neck and spine, place the
  casualty in the recovery position with the
  bleeding side closest to the ground.
• Place a pad or clean cloth under the bleeding
  ear/nose to collect the draining fluid.
• Closely monitor for signs of life
• Control bleed do not apply any direct pressure to
  the skull if you suspect a fracture.

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CRUSH INJURY

• If the crushing force has been in place for an
  extended time, seek urgent medical advice before
  removing the object.
• DRABC and call 000
• If the casualty is unconscious, place him or her
  in the recovery position on their injured side.
• If the casualty is conscious, position him or her
  for most comfort usually leaning towards the
  injured side.
• Assess for and treat any injuries.
• Assess for and manage shock.
• Provide reassurance.

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SOFT TISSUE INJURIES

• Sprains, strains, bruising and dislocations are
  all examples of soft tissue injuries. If in
  doubt treat like a fracture.
• SPRAIN, STRAIN, BRUSING INJURIES
• DRABCD
• RICE
• DISLOCATION
• DRABCD
• If in doubt, manage as a fracture
• DO NOT attempt to move bones back into place
• Support in position found
• Get medical help

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