First aid learning for young people by the British Red Cross: broken bone.

Broken bone

How confident do you feel about helping someone who has broken a bone?

Not at all Totally

Lara, Paul and I work together at the cinema. When our shift finished we were in a hurry to leave - we had a party to get to.

To save time we left by a back entrance closest to the car park. As we rushed down the metal stairs Lara slipped and tumbled forward.

I heard a cracking noise as she landed on her arm. It sounded horrible, and Lara was clearly in a lot of pain.

Paul and I rushed down to where Lara had fallen to see if she was okay. She said straight away that she had broken her arm – it was really painful and bent slightly out of shape.

Paul thought we should get Lara down to the car park but I made Lara sit where she was. I could see Paul was a bit shaken up. I asked him to call 999 on his mobile while I helped Lara.

As Paul spoke to the emergency services I took off my scarf and used it as padding for Lara’s arm. I also encouraged her to support her injured arm with her other hand.

I let Lara know that the ambulance was on its way and we stayed with her until help arrived. It made me feel better knowing they were on the way. Getting to the party didn’t matter anymore.

If you were in a rush to get somewhere, would you stop and help an injured friend, like Rose and Paul did for Lara?

Continue

If a person has a broken bone, the limb may look misshapen and will be painful. What else might indicate a broken bone?

Rash around the injury Skin is cold to the touch around the injury Swelling around the injury All of these

If you think someone has broken a bone, what should you do to help?

Grip the limb tightly Support the limb gently Let the limb hang loosely

How confident do you feel now about helping someone who has a broken bone?

Not at all Totally

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Broken boneRemember: Keep the injury still and supported

Full video script available here

Here are the steps to take when helping someone who has broken a bone.

1

The person has pain, bruising or swelling or they are lying in an unnatural position, following a fall or a blow from an object.
2

Support the injury with their hand, or use a cushion or items of clothing to prevent unnecessary movement.
3

As soon as possible, call 999 or get someone else to do it. Continue supporting the injury until help arrives.

Skill guide

Download your guide to helping someone in this first aid emergency.

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