First Aid Guides
Bone fractures
First aid for bone fractures
A broken bone or bone fracture is a partial or complete break of the bone. It occurs when a force exerted against a bone is stronger than the bone can bear.
It can be difficult to tell whether the injury is a fracture, dislocation, sprain or strain. If in doubt, always treat it as a fracture.
Learn more about triggers, signs and symptoms.
Start with DRSABCD
D - Danger
Assess the area to ensure its safe for yourself, others and the patient. Only proceed to help them if its safe.
R - Response
Check for a response. You can do this by asking their name and squeezing their shoulders.
- If they do respond: Make them comfortable and continue to follow the steps in this guide
- If they don't respond: Send for help immediately (call Triple Zero 000) and follow the DRSABCD Action Plan
First aid for a fracture
If you suspect someone might have a fracture, seek medical assistance immediately.
If they lose consciousness at any time, follow the DRSABCD Action Plan.
In the meantime, follow the steps below to help with pain and swelling.
Step 1: Keep them still
- Keep them calm
- Do not move them unless there is danger
- Help them sit down and avoid any weight on the break
- For a limb fracture, provide support (such as clothes or a pillow) under the leg or forearm - stop if this causes pain or movement
Step 2: Stop bleeding first
- Apply pressure around the injury with a combine dressing or similar. If a bone is protruding, apply pressure around the edges of the wound
- Once bleeding is under control, keep the wound covered with a clean dressing
- Don't attempt to force the fracture back into place
Step 3: Splint the limb
- Apply a padded splint. If you have a splint board use it
- Complicated breaks where the limb is deformed, should not be splinted. Leave this to paramedics or medical staff
- If the break is on the arm, place the splint underneath the forearm. Tie 5cms away on either side of the break. Put the arm in a sling and secure it around the neck
- If the break is on the leg, tie the splint 5cms away from the break on either side. Secure it further if needed, but not over the break. You can further secure the leg by tying it to the other
- Avoid wrapping too tight to cause numbness, tingling or any colour change to the limb, toes or fingers
Step 4: Monitor symptoms
- Keep them calm
- Every 15 minutes, check circulation by squeezing the edge of the big toe or thumb for 3 seconds. Release and check if the colour returns - it should return within 2 seconds. Loosen if needed
- Watch for signs of shock
Bone fractures and shock
Someone with a fracture might experience shock. Shock can be life-threatening
First aid for Shock
