Last updated at 16:27, Wednesday, 27 June 2012

LEARNING some basic first aid – pressure on a wound or a slap on the back – can be the difference between a life lost and a life saved.

PROPER CARE: The experts at St John Ambulance, the nation’s leading first aid charity, demonstrate how to dress a fracture

St John Ambulance, the nation’s leading first aid charity, has teamed up with the Evening Mail to bring you some simple, but life saving, first aid tips. This week learn how to treat fractures

A BREAK or crack in a bone is called a fracture. In a closed fracture the skin remains intact. However, bones might be displaced causing internal bleeding and the casualty may develop shock.

Recognising a fracture:

• There may be swelling, deformity or bruising at the fracture site and the casualty may suffer pain or difficulty moving the area.
• Shortening, bending or twisting of a limb.
• Signs of shock, especially if the thigh or pelvic bones are fractured.

Follow these simple steps to help:

Advise the casualty to keep still. Support the joints above and below the injured area with your hands until it is immobilised with a sling or bandages.

Place padding around the injury for extra support and arrange for the casualty to be taken to hospital. An arm injury can be transported by car, however, for a leg injury call 999/112 for emergency help.

For firmer support, secure the injured part to an unaffected part of the body. For upper limb fractures, immobilise the arm with a sling. For lower limb fractures, move the injured leg to the uninjured one and secure with bandages – always tie the knots on the uninjured side.

Treat for shock if necessary but do not raise an injured leg. Elevate an uninjured limb if shock is present. Monitor vital signs while waiting for help to arrive and check circulation beneath bandages or slings every 10 minutes. If circulation is impaired, loosen the dressing.

For more information, or to order a free, pocket-sized first aid guide, visit www.sja.org.uk. You can also get advice on your iPhone or iPad with the free St John Ambulance first aid app, available through iTunes.

First published at 13:46, Wednesday, 27 June 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk