Bone and joint injuries
Accidents could result in bone and joint injuries. Bone injuries include fractures and joint injuries include dislocation and tear of the binding ligaments.
Fractures
There are two types of fractures
1.Closed fracture in which the bone is broken but the skin has not been broken or torn
2.Open or compound fracture in which the skin, as well as the bone, is broken
There are several variations of the above categories. For example, Greenstick Fracture usually occurs in children. It's a situation in which one side of the bone bends and the other is broken. While the Comminuted fracture pertains to where the bone is broken into several pieces.
General Signs of Fractures
1. Pain on or near the seat of the fracture.
2.Victim experiences tenderness and discomfort even
with the slightest pressure on the site.
3 Site of the fracture is characterized by swelling.
4. Immobility of the fractured part.
5. The affected part assumes an unnatural shape.
First Aid Treatment for Fractures
If an injury is to the spine or neck, the victim should not be moved or allowed to move until proper stretchers are available.
In any case, a medical doctor should be sent immediately.
The doctor should supervise the movement of the fracture.
Keep the victim calm; keep away crowds of onlookers; watch the victim's breathing and be prepared to administer artificial respiration and treatment for shock.
First aid to other broken bones should not extend beyond the prevention of further injuries. The fracture should be suspected if the affected part does not have a normal appearance or form.
Do not move the victim until the suspected fracture has been placed in splints, except of course, where prior movement is important to save a life.
For a head injury a fracture of the skull, the services of a medical doctor must be summoned immediately. The victim should not be removed, and nothing should be given by mouth.
Joint Injuries
Joint injury include dislocation of bones, sprains and strains By far the most serious is bone dislocation; this is when a bone moves out of its usual place in a joint Parts of the body that often suffer from dislocation are fingers shoulders, jaw,
elbows, knee and hip joints.
For sprains and strain, apply an old pack of Icebag on
the affected part for several minutes. Keep the injured part at rest and elevated. An elastic bandage or adhesive bandage should be applied cross-crosswise around the injured part to keep it immovable. The case should be referred to a medical
doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Emergency Care Supplies
The emergency supply in the first aid box include:
1. Table salt
2. Towel
3. Safety pins
4. Elastic bandage
5. Spirit
6. Soap
7. Cotton wool etc