Fractures and Immobilization: Basic Management.pptx

Basic Management of fractures and immobilization

1. Fracture & Immobilization Dr Ayesha Ahmed

2. Disclaimer! Does anyone get queasy at the sight of blood or grotesque pictures?

3. Types of Fractures Simple Non-displaced Displaced Compound

4. Recognizing a Fracture Don’t move the limb carelessly Observe

5. Shape (compare)

6. Tear in skin and exposed bone

7. Direction/orientation (compare)

8. Length (compare)

9. Swelling (compare)

10. Bruising

11. Pallor Cyanosis

12. Assess Can they move the injured arm or leg? Can they move fingers and toes? Can they feel touch? Signs of bleeding: Dizziness/Drowsiness or a Cold limb, or Rapid breathing

13. How to fix a fracture? Wait for help to arrive Don’t move a person unless there is no choice Make the environment safe Avoid crowding Keep checking for signs of bleeding

14. Immobilizing a fracture If the extremity is pale or blue, do nothing and call for help Differentiate between open and closed fractures

15. Manage bleeding (bleeding station) Do not try to put the bone back inside the skin Place a clean cloth over the injury Wrap the cloth lightly Do not apply too much direct pressure to the wound Apply Splint Open fracture

16. Closed fracture Do not apply a pressure bandage Place an ice pack over the injury Padding around the injury Apply Splint

17. Applying a Splint Choose the right items for a splint (long, rigid, soft surface) Check sensations, movement and colour at extremities Include the joint above and below the injury Use two if possible

18. Applying a Splint Tie knots above and below the injury as well as above the joint. Do not tie a knot over a break or joint. Keep the knot itself away from the skin as much as possible Don’t make knots too tight Alternatively, can wrap up the limb with the bandage Check for sensations, movement at extremity and pulse again Using other leg as splint

19. Applying Arm Slings Slings can be applied after splints Recognize the type of injury Standard arm sling for forearm Collar and cuff sling for elbow and upper arm injuries

20. Sprains RICE R est – avoid activity I ce – apply an ice pack for 10 minutes C ompression dressing – Figure of 8. No need to cover the heel. Secure with tape E levation – keep leg elevated over a soft surface

21. Check extremities for pallor, pain, lack of movement, lack of sensations, reduced pulses.

22. Preventing Injuries Identifying potential causes of injury Modifying dangerous areas Spreading awareness

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