Fracture stabilization

Immobilize in the position found

Red Cross first aid for suspected fractures: do not attempt to straighten or realign the injured limb. Immobilize it in the position you find it. Moving a fracture can cause additional damage to blood vessels, nerves, and surrounding tissue.

Pad around the injury with soft material (towels, clothing) and secure with a splint that prevents movement at the joints above and below the suspected break. A rigid object (board, rolled magazine, stick) against the limb, held in place with strips of cloth, works as an improvised splint.

Reduce swelling carefully

Apply ice wrapped in cloth (never directly on skin) to reduce swelling. Elevate the injured area if possible without causing pain. Check circulation below the splint periodically: skin color, warmth, sensation, and pulse. If the area below the splint becomes cold, numb, or blue, the splint is too tight.

Open fractures and high-energy injuries

Call 911 for any fracture where bone is visible through the skin (open fracture), any suspected spinal injury, any fracture of the thigh (femur), pelvis, or hip, and any injury from a high-energy event (vehicle crash, fall from height). Cover open fractures with a clean dressing but do not push bone back in.