Taking care of a child with a Fracture/Broken Bone

A fracture refers to a break or crack in a bone. An open fracture occurs when the broken bone protrudes through the skin, whereas in a closed fracture, the skin surrounding the fracture remains undamaged. Despite the external appearance, closed fractures can still lead to instability in the broken bones, resulting in internal bleeding and the potential development of shock in the affected individual.

If you suspect that someone has a broken bone, provide first-aid treatment, and help them get professional care.

Symptoms of a broken bone:

A broken bone can cause one or more of the following signs and symptoms:

1. Intense pain in the injured area that gets worse when you move it.
2. Numbness in the injured area.
3. Bluish/black color, swelling, or visible deformity in the injured area.
4. Bone protruding through the skin.
5. Heavy bleeding at the injured part.

Take these actions immediately while waiting for medical help:

1. Stop any bleeding: If they are bleeding, elevate and apply pressure to the wound using a sterile bandage, a clean cloth, or a clean piece of clothing.
2. Immobilize the injured area: If you suspect they have broken a bone in their neck or back, help them stay as still as possible. If you suspect they have broken a bone in one of their limbs, immobilize the area using a splint or sling to the area above and below the fracture sites. Padding the splints can help reduce discomfort. Do not try to realign the bone or push a bone that’s sticking out back in.
3. Apply cold to the area: Wrap an ice pack or bag of ice cubes in a piece of cloth and apply it to the injured area for up to 10 minutes at a time. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
4. Treat them for shock: Help them get into a comfortable position, encourage them to rest, and reassure them. If the person feels faint or is breathing in short, rapid breaths, lay the person down with the head slightly lower than the trunk and, if possible, elevate the legs. Cover them with a blanket or clothing to keep them warm.
5. Get medical help: Call 999, 112 or 911 the Kenya National Police Emergency numbers, or help them get to the nearest hospital’s emergency room for professional care.

Also call for emergency help if:

1. The person is unresponsive, isn’t breathing, or isn’t moving. Begin CPR if there’s no breathing or heartbeat while you wait for an ambulance.
2. There is heavy bleeding.
3. Even gentle pressure or movement causes pain.
4. The limb or joint appears deformed.
5. The bone has pierced the skin.
6. The extremity of the injured arm or leg, such as a toe or finger, is numb or bluish at the tip.
7. You suspect a bone is broken in the neck, head, or back.

Resources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/first-aid/broken-bones#first-aid

https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-fractures/basics/art-20056641

https://www.sja.org.uk/get-advice/first-aid-advice/bones-and-muscle-injuries/broken-bones-and-fractures/