# Fractures (broken bones)

#### <span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45);">**What is it?**</span>

##### A broken bone.

#### <span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45);">**Symptoms:**</span>

- ##### <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Intense pain</span>
- ##### <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Limited mobility or inability to move a limb or put weight on it</span>
- ##### <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Swelling, bruising, or bleeding</span>
- ##### A visibly out-of-place or misshapen limb or joint
- ##### Numbness or tingling
- ##### Broken skin with bone protruding

#### <span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45);">**Plan of Action:**</span>

##### **Don't move the person except if necessary to avoid further injury.** 

- ##### **Stop any bleeding.** Apply pressure to the wound with a sterile bandage, a clean cloth or a clean piece of clothing.
- ##### **Immobilize the injured area.** Don't try to realign the bone or push a bone that's sticking out back in. If you've been trained in how to splint and professional help isn't readily available, apply a splint to the area above and below the fracture sites. Padding the splints can help reduce discomfort.
- ##### **Apply ice packs to limit swelling and help relieve pain.** Don't apply ice directly to the skin. Wrap the ice in a towel, piece of cloth or some other material.
- ##### **Treat for shock.** If the person feels faint or is breathing in short, rapid breaths, lay the person down with the head slightly lower than the trunk and, if possible, elevate the legs.

##### **If the broken bone is the result of major trauma or injury, call 911 or your local emergency number.**

##### <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">**Also call for emergency help if:**</span>

- ##### The person is unresponsive, isn't breathing or isn't moving. Begin CPR if there's no breathing or heartbeat.
- ##### There is heavy bleeding.
- ##### Even gentle pressure or movement causes pain.
- ##### The limb or joint appears deformed.
- ##### The bone has pierced the skin.
- ##### The extremity of the injured arm or leg, such as a toe or finger, is numb or bluish at the tip.
- ##### You suspect a bone is broken in the neck, head, or back.