Facts
  • Several types of fractures exist, but fractures resulting in bone fragments penetrating the skin (called compound fractures or open fractures) are particularly dangerous.
  • Poor positioning of the fractured extremity can obstruct blood flow to the affected limb.
  • Dislocation of bones may cause injury to nerves and blood vessels.

 

Causes of Injury
  • Bone fractures and dislocations result from multiple causes such as falls or trauma.

 

Prevention
  • Wear hiking boots with adequate tread for the terrain to prevent slipping or falling.
  • Use walking sticks for added stability while hiking.
  • Avoid hiking on slopes with loose rocks.
  • Be watchful of foot placement when hiking.

 

Planning / Packing Guide
  • First-Aid kit should include a triangular bandage to tie a splint or use as a sling.
  • Walking sticks tied to the limb with bandanas or belts can be used as splints.
  • Bandana or belt can be used to splint one leg to the other.
  • Bandana or belt can be used as a sling for an arm, wrist or hand.
  • Hiking boots with tread appropriate for the terrain
    DO NOT bring sandals or flip-flops for hiking.

 

Symptoms
  • Sudden, serious deformity
  • Bruising, discoloration
  • Swelling
  • Inability to bear weight
  • Inability to move injured body part without severe pain
  • Bits of bone sticking out of a wound
  • Sensation of bones grating together with movement
  • Injured area is numb and cold
  • Victim heard a “pop” or “snap” when injury occurred

 

First Aid
  • Rest injured body part.
  • Immobilize the injury as it was found. Do NOT manipulate injured limb before splinting.
  • Splint above and below the fracture:
    • Splint limb to another body part.
    • Soft splint or sling for arm, wrist or hand.
    • Splint with wood, metal, or other rigid material
  • Pad the splint and check frequently for circulation.
  • Apply ice to injured area (put barrier between ice and skin).
  • Elevate injured body part unless doing so increases pain.
  • If fractured bone has broken the skin surface do NOT try to push the bone back into place.
    See Bleeding / Wounds for more information.
  • Do NOT try to straighten an injured limb unless there is no pulse and it is cold to the touch.
  • Do NOT try to replace a dislocated bone.
  • Secure the injured limb using a splint or sling and get medical help.
  • Monitor for loss of sensation and poor circulation (cool, pale, no pulse).

 

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