Fractures and Immobilization

The essentials

This topic concerns safe first aid when a fracture or serious limb injury is suspected. The main principle is to move the injured area as little as possible, keep it stable and avoid actions that could worsen the injury.

What to remember

If a fracture is suspected, keep the limb as close as possible to the position in which you found it and avoid unnecessary straightening or movement. Immobilization should include the injured area and, where possible, adjacent joints without impairing circulation. Do not move a casualty with suspected spinal, neck or other serious injury unless there is an immediate danger at the scene.

Listen to the explanation

Educational material; not a substitute for the current official rules.

Try questions on this topic

A small practice set from this subtopic. The full question bank and saved progress are available in your account.

When the victim has an open fracture of a limb, what is necessary when providing help?
  1. Immediately elevate the victim’s limb.
  2. Cover the wound with a sterile handkerchief and immobilize the injured limb.
  3. Stop the bleeding by direct pressure.
  4. Apply cold compresses on the wound.

The correct answer: Cover the wound with a sterile handkerchief and immobilize the injured limb.

The correct action is: Cover the wound with a sterile handkerchief and immobilize the injured limb. In first aid, the order of actions matters and only the steps required for the stated condition should be performed. Remember the order of actions and avoid adding unnecessary steps from the distractors.

In case of an accident, what information should be provided to the operator when calling emergency services?
  1. Indicate the closest landmark to the accident site; report the number of injured, their gender and age.
  2. Indicate the nearest street and house number; inform who was injured (pedestrian, driver, or passenger) and describe the injuries.
  3. Indicate the accident location (street, house number, nearest landmarks); report the number of injured, their gender, approximate age, consciousness, breathing, circulation, presence of severe bleeding, fractures, and other injuries; wait for the operator to confirm the call is accepted.

The correct answer: Indicate the accident location (street, house number, nearest landmarks); report the number of injured, their gender, approximate age, consciousness, breathing, circulation, presence of severe bleeding, fractures, and other injuries; wait for the operator to confirm the call is accepted.

The correct action is: Give the dispatcher the exact crash location and nearby landmarks, the number of casualties, their sex and approximate age, their consciousness and breathing status, and the main injuries, then remain on the call until the dispatcher confirms that the call has been accepted.

How to provide first aid in case of frostbite and hypothermia?
  1. Rub the affected areas with snow or wool cloth, then warm up, give alcoholic drink, move to a warm place.
  2. Warm the affected areas and immobilize them; cover the victim with warm clothes or blanket, give warm drink, move to a warm place.
  3. Apply ointment to the affected areas, apply warming compress and heater, move to a warm place, give warm drink.

The correct answer: Warm the affected areas and immobilize them; cover the victim with warm clothes or blanket, give warm drink, move to a warm place.

The correct action is: Warm the affected areas and immobilize them; cover the victim with warm clothes or blanket, give warm drink, move to a warm place. In first aid, the order of actions matters and only the steps required for the stated condition should be performed.

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