First Aid

Emergency situation: It was a cold wintery day. Bob and Sue were taking a walk through the park when she accidently slipped and fell. Screaming hysterically, Bob rushed her home where she would be safe from any further injury. After they were home Bob called the doctor, because Sue was crying and complaining that she was having a lot of pain in her left arm. They rushed to the doctor. When they arrived at the doctor's office they gave her an X-ray and found out that Sue had broke her arm and needed medical attention as soon as possible.

Body Systems Affected: If you break an arm and it doesn't get treated correctly it can affect parts of your body. You might have abnormal growth of the bone or your nerves could be damaged. The fine motor coordination such as writing, dressing, or eating could be affected. It could even cause problems with your leg or total loss of use in that arm.

First Aid: There are a few steps to be considered when dealing with someone who has possibly broken a bone. When giving first aid for a person with a possible broken bone:

1) Make sure that the scene is safe. Get the first aid kit. Wear PPE.

2) Cover any open wound with a clean dressing.

3) Put a plastic bag filled with ice and water on the injured area with a towel between the ice bag and the skin up to 20 minutes.

4) Either you phone or ask someone else to phone your emergency response number (or 911) if:

a. There is a large open wound

b. The injured part is abnormally bent

c. You're not sure what to do

5) If an injured body part hurts, the person should avoid using it until checked by a physician.