Emergency First Aid for Children

12. Bone, Joint and Muscle Injuries

Bone, Joint and Muscle Injuries

The First Aider should:

• Steady and support the injured part - Soft tissue injuries will benefit from padding and bandaging - Fractures and dislocations may need splinting

• If broken bone lies within a large bulk of tissue – treat casualty for shock

• Obtain medical attention

Dealing with Broken Bones

Closed fractures -Aims• To prevent movement at the site of injury• To arrange removal to hospital

Treatment• Ask casualty to keep injured area still, steady

and support injured part until it is immobilised• For firmer support, secure injued part to a sound

part of the body

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Dealing with Broken Bones Closed fractures cont’d

Upper limb fractures• Always support the arm against the trunk with a

sling

Lower limb fractures• If removal to hospital will be delayed, bandage

the sound leg to the injured one

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Types of Fracture

GREENSTICK COMPOUND SIMPLE CRACK

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Broken LegAims:• To prevent movement at the site of injury• To arrange removal to hospital

Treatment:

• Lay casualty down, support leg at ankle and knee joints.

• Steady the injured leg with packing. Pad outside the injured limb and between the legs with one or more rolled up blankets.

• Keep the casualty warm.

• Call an ambulance

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Broken Pelvis

Recognising:

• Inability to walk or stand

• Pain and tenderness in the hip and groin region

• Bleeding from the urinary orifice

Broken Pelvis

Treatment:

• Lay casualty down keeping their head low.

• Place padding between their legs with figure-of-eight bandage and broad-fold bandages.

• Placing cushions under the knees may alleviate pain.

Injuries to the pelvis are usually caused by crushing or direct impact. There may be internal bleeding.

BROKEN ARM

Treatment:• Sit the casualty down, if possible get them to

support the injured arm in their hand.• Place a pad between his arm and chest to

immobilise and cushion the injured limb.• Put the arm in an Arm Sling secured with a reef

knot.• For additional support, place a broad fold

bandage over the sling and around the casualty’s arm and chest.

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BROKEN ELBOW

Elbow injuries need special care and early treatment in hospital.

Recognising a broken elbow:

• Pain increased by attempted movement

• Stiffness

• Swelling or bruising

DO NOT attempt to straighten or bend the elbow

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Broken Elbow

TREATMENT:

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Sprained Ankle

• Suspect an ankle sprain if the casualty can’t take their full weight on their foot after a fall or wrench

Treatment:• Sit casualty down, raise their

foot and gently remove the sock and shoe before swelling occurs.

• Apply a cold compress or icepack

• Wrap the ankle with a thick layer of cotton wool. Bandage the cotton wool in place. Keep the ankle raised.

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Ear Wound

Watery fluid from ear may be result of:

• Fracture to skull

• Perforated ear drum – could be caused by foreign body, a blow to the side of the head, explosion

Ear Wound

Aims• To allow blood to drain away• To minimise the risk of infection

Treatment• Put sterile dressing or clean pad over the ear• Casualty should tilt their head to allow blood to

drain• Casualty should go to hospital in the treatment

position.

Soft Tissue InjuriesAims• To reduce swelling• Obtain medical attention if necessary

R Rest the injured part

I Apply ice or cold compress

C Compress the injury

E Elevate the injured part

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Emergency First Aid for Children

End of Section