1 Support leg
2Immobilize leg
3Monitor victim
Broken leg
BROKEN ARM • BROKEN LEG
45
The fracture of a leg bone is a serious injury that requires immediate hospital treatment. It is important that the victim does not put any weight on the injured limb. Thigh bone fractures may involve severe internal bleeding, which can cause shock. The aims of first-aid treatment are to control any bleeding, to support the limb, and to dial 911 or call EMS.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
• Limb held at awkward angle
• Limb cannot be moved
• Severe pain
• Swelling and bruising
• Possible wound or internal bleeding if thigh is injured
TREATING A BROKEN LEG
1 Support leg
• Help the victim to lie down.
• If there is a wound, treat any bleeding( p. 31).
• Put plenty of soft padding, such as rolled-up blankets or towels, on each side of the fractured leg.
• Dial 911 or call EMS.
Hold the injured leg steady
2Immobilize leg
• If you can stay with the victim, and there is no need to move her, leave the padding in place and, if necessary, support the leg with your hands.
• If you need to move the victim out of danger, immobilize the injured leg by bandaging it to the other one. Tie folded triangular bandages around the joints above and below the fracture site.
Use a rolled-up towel to support the leg
! Important
• Do not give the victim anything to eat, drink, or smoke.
• Do not move the victim unless she is in danger.
• An injured leg may not be fractured, but if you are in doubt, treat it as a
fracture until it can be x-rayed.
3Monitor victim
• Watch for signs of shock( p. 27).
• Check her breathing( p. 68 for an adult, p. 71 for a baby or child) and pulse( p. 68 for an adult, p. 70 for a baby or child) while waiting for help to arrive.