Fractures

Remember!
• If the ambulance is on the way, do not wrap or move the fractured area, try to keep it stable and immobile.
• If the victim needs to be evacuated, immobilize the fractured area using makeshift materials to reduce pain and prevent further injury.
• Immobilize the fractured area in its current position; do not attempt to realign it.
• Immobilize at least two joints above and below the fractured area, and for a femur fracture, immobilize three joints using makeshift materials.
• For open fractures, first stop the bleeding, then cover the wound with a clean cloth and immobilize the fractured area.
• Do not attempt to put the fractured bones back in place or remove any bone fragments.
• During the evacuation, the fractured area must be stabilized by the person assisting.
Immobilization of the humerus
Bend the injured arm at the elbow and bring it to chest. If possible, ask the person to support their arm by holding it at the elbow. Place a soft cloth (towel) under the arm.

Place a bandana or triangle-shaped cloth around the victim’s neck, with one end of the cloth supporting the fractured arm. With the help of the other piece, wrap the arm around the chest.

Immobilization of the forearm bones
Place the makeshift material along the inside of forearm, long enough to cover fingers and elbow. Place any folded cloth on the palm. Wrap the makeshift material around the forearm in several places.

Place a bandana or triangle-shaped cloth around the victim’s neck, with one end of the cloth supporting the arm. With the help of the other piece, wrap the limb around the chest.

Immobilization of the elbow
Place the makeshift material that extends from the armpit to the fingertips along the lower part of the arm.
Wrap the makeshift material around the arm at the top and bottom of elbow.
Immobilization of the wrist and metacarpal bones
In case of the wrist or metacarpal fractures, place the arm through a triangular cloth (scarf) slinging from the victim’s neck. If you don't have anything available, use simple methods to sling the arm.
Immobilization of the finger
Immobilize the fractured finger by bandaging it to the healthy finger.
Simple immobilization methods for upper limb fractures
Unfasten the bottom buttons of the jacket. Lifting the hem of the jacket, pass it through the injured arm and attach it to the jacket with a large pin.
If the victim is wearing a long-sleeved shirt, bend the arm at the elbow and attach the shirt cuff to the opposite side of the shirt or to the jacket.
Unbutton one button of jacket or jumper and insert the hand of the injured arm through the opening created by the unbuttoned button (in case of the wrist, metacarpal fractures).
Pass the hand of the injured arm through a belt, tie, or scarf that is draped from the victim's neck (this method should not be used if a forearm fracture is suspected).
Immobilization of the femur
Place a makeshift material (such as wood, a branch, cardboard, etc.) from the armpit to the ankle, and the second makeshift material from between the legs to the ankle. Place a soft cloth or cotton in the space between the makeshift materials and the leg. Wrap the makeshift materials around the body, securing them at the chest, pelvis, knee, and ankle.
If there is no hard material (such as wood, a cardboard, branch, etc.) available:
Place a soft cloth between both legs. Bandage the fractured leg to the healthy one in several places.
Wrap the foot and ankle in a figure-eight pattern.

Immobilization of the lower leg bones
Place two makeshift materials on either side of the fractured limb, long enough to cover the knee and ankle.

Wrap the makeshift materials around the limb using a wide bandage.
If there is no hard material (such as wood, a cardboard, branch, etc.) available:
Place a soft cloth between both legs. Wrap the foot and ankle in a figure-eight pattern.
Bandage the fractured leg to the healthy one in several places.

Immobilization of the foot and ankle
Place the foot on a blanket folded several times or on a soft pillow.
Wrap the pillow in several places.
Place any object under the foot to lift it slightly.