According to WHO medical statistics, the number of victims diagnosed with bone fracture has increased significantly. This pathology is classified as severe injury and is associated with high traffic intensity, which entails an increase in the number of accidents. Please note that traffic accidents in 75% of cases result in at least the formation of a crack in the bone tissue. Due to the deep location of the bones, fractures are most often difficult to diagnose. Despite this, literally everyone is obliged to know the rules of first aid for fractures and bruises.
Fracture symptoms
During the fracture, the victim experiences severe pain. Swelling and bruising are formed, and unnatural mobility of body parts occurs in the damaged area.
First aid for fractures and bruises is necessary if the following symptoms and conditions are observed:
- severe soreness, which is localized in one place;
- impaired motor function;
- deformation;
- excessive mobility;
- crepitation of bone fragments.
Types of Fractures
According to the medical classification, several types of fractures are distinguished depending on the following symptoms. Let us consider in more detail the types of fractures.
Depending on the cause of the fracture, there are two types:
- Traumatic (due to external factors).
- Pathological (fractures resulting from damage to bone tissue in chronic diseases, for example, myeloma, tumors, tuberculosis, etc.).
According to the severity of the lesion, fractures are classified:
- incomplete type, in which cracks form in the bone tissue;
- complete fracture with or without displacement of bone fragments.
Depending on the integrity of the skin, fractures are classified into the following types:
- Open - damage to the integrity of the skin in contact with the environment.
- Closed - if the integrity of the skin is not broken, and the bones do not come in contact with air.
- Combined - if the fracture is combined with damage to internal organs. For example: a fracture of the ribs and a bruise of the lung, a fracture of the bones of the skull and a hemorrhage in the brain.
First aid for fractures
First aid for fractures and bruises begins with immobilization of the victim. In case of limb damage, it is recommended to use a tire. With an open fracture, a clean dressing should be applied to the wounds. If the bleeding does not stop, this may indicate damage to the artery or vein. In such cases, a tight tourniquet is placed over the wound.
Bruising symptoms
With bruises, both internal organs and muscle tissue can be damaged, however, their basic structure, as a rule, changes slightly. Bruises occur due to a sharp blow to hard surfaces. In this case, the integrity of the skin is not violated. The main signs that indicate the presence of bruises are violations of the structure of blood vessels.
After providing first aid for bruises and fractures, you must immediately call an ambulance.
Some time after the injury, pain occurs and a bruise appears. In some cases, swelling is observed. Head injuries are often accompanied by concussions of varying severity. First aid for fractures and bruises is necessary when the following symptoms are observed:
- strong pain;
- nausea and vomiting;
- fainting
- dizziness.
First Aid for Injury
First aid includes a number of specific actions. A cold compress should be applied to the site of soft tissue damage in order to reduce the intensity of hemorrhage. Apply cold only through clothing or cloth, such as a towel. The maximum duration for applying the compress should not exceed 20 minutes. After this time, the cold should be removed and, if necessary, repeat the procedure after an hour. Contraindications to compresses are cardiovascular disease or frostbite.
If abrasions occur after an impact, they can be treated with iodine or hydrogen peroxide. Subsequently, a pressure dressing is applied to the damaged area. If the arm or leg is affected, it is recommended to give the bruised limbs an elevated position.
Symptoms of Dislocation
With a dislocation, the correct natural arrangement of joints and bones is disrupted. In some cases, the integrity of the joint capsule may be impaired. When a dislocation occurs, the damaged area becomes externally unnatural and swells. Immediately after an injury, the joint loses its mobility (motor function). Such injuries are characterized by severe soreness even in a calm state.
First aid for dislocations, fractures and bruises is necessary if the following symptoms are observed:
- joint movements are limited;
- soft tissue swelling appears;
- bleeding becomes clearly visible;
- pain is felt.
First aid for dislocation
If first aid is not available or is performed by a person without proper experience, such actions can lead to a worsening of the condition of the victim. First aid for dislocations, bruises and fractures includes several stages. It is important to remember the following rules:
- The victim should be laid on his back, and the joint is fixed with a tire.
- With a dislocation of one lower limb, it can be wound to a healthy leg, if there are no suitable materials for the tire at hand. A damaged arm is attached to the body.
- In case of dislocation of the jaw, a bandage is applied to the victim’s head, restricting the movement of the damaged joint. When forming a bandage, the mouth should be kept closed so that no foreign objects enter the larynx.
- A cold compress is applied to the affected joint, which helps reduce swelling of the soft tissues.
- Victims with severe pain should be given painkillers, such as Analgin or Paracetamol.
Sprains
With sharp movements of the joints, people often have a sprain of ligaments. Trauma is often accompanied by damage to muscle tissue. The painful state during sprain lasts from one day (mild form of stretching) to 20-30 days (severe form of stretching). Having received this kind of injury, despite the pain, the victim can still perform movements of the injured limb.
In order to provide competent first aid for sprains, dislocations or bruises, you need to know the main symptoms of sprains. In most cases, it is the articular ligaments that are damaged, the symptoms of which are very similar to a severe bruise. The main difference in stretching is the formation of painful manifestations exclusively in the articular region. The main symptoms of sprains:
- the appearance of a hematoma;
- severe pain;
- swelling;
- the presence of hemorrhage;
- violation of the basic functions of the joint.
First Aid Stretching
According to medical statistics, it is precisely those patients who are diagnosed with an ankle joint injury seek help. The basic principle of first aid for fractures, bruises, sprains and dislocations in various parts of the body is to provide the victim with peace.
On the damaged part of the body, a tight bandage is mandatory. This should be done with extreme caution, without disrupting blood circulation by tightly clamping blood vessels.
Traumatic shock
A serious and life-threatening pathological condition arises from severe injuries, such as open and closed fractures, dislocations and other injuries of bone and cartilage, in which a large amount of blood is lost. If we consider the pathogenesis, we can see that the traumatic shock corresponds to hypovolemic shock.
The main factors causing this type of shock are severe pain irritation and the loss of large volumes of blood.
The main first aid for traumatic shock is to stop bleeding. At low ambient temperatures, it is necessary to cover the victim with warm clothes to prevent hypothermia. It is imperative that you call an ambulance or deliver the injured person to a medical facility on your own.
Recommendations
When providing first aid for fractures and bruises, one should not independently try to compare bone fragments or put joints into joint bags. This can lead to a rapid deterioration in well-being or to the appearance of incurable pathologies.
The victim must be taken to a medical facility as soon as possible. For the period of transportation, the victim should be wrapped in warm clothing. The victim should be transported over short distances with a fracture only on a stretcher.