(1) Bone, joint, and muscle injuries may require splinting fractures or dislocations, treating for shock, or obtaining medical attention. (2) Broken bones should be immobilized to prevent movement at the injury site by splinting or bandaging and the casualty should be transported to the hospital. (3) Specific injuries like broken legs, pelvises, arms, elbows, or ankles each require unique first aid treatments like padding, slings, figure-eight bandages, or keeping the injury raised.

1. Emergency First Aid
for Children
12. Bone, Joint and
Muscle Injuries

2. Bone, Joint and Muscle Injuries
The First Aider should:
• Steady and support the injured part
- Soft tissue injuries will benefit from
padding and bandaging
- Fractures and dislocations may need splinting
• If broken bone lies within a large bulk of tissue –
treat casualty for shock
• Obtain medical attention

3. Dealing with Broken Bones
Closed fractures -Aims
• To prevent movement at the site of injury
• To arrange removal to hospital
Treatment
• Ask casualty to keep injured area still, steady
and support injured part until it is immobilised
• For firmer support, secure injued part to a sound
part of the body
Pages 38

4. Dealing with Broken Bones
Closed fractures cont’d
Upper limb fractures
• Always support the arm against the trunk with a
sling
Lower limb fractures
• If removal to hospital will be delayed, bandage
the sound leg to the injured one
Pages 38

5. Types of Fracture
GREENSTICK COMPOUND SIMPLE CRACK
Pages 38

6. Broken Leg
Aims:
• To prevent movement at the site of injury
• To arrange removal to hospital
Treatment:
• Lay casualty down, support leg at ankle
and knee joints.
• Steady the injured leg with packing. Pad
outside the injured limb and between
the legs with one or more rolled up
blankets.
• Keep the casualty warm.
• Call an ambulance
Pages 38

7. Broken Pelvis
Recognising:
• Inability to walk or stand
• Pain and tenderness in the hip and groin
region
• Bleeding from the urinary orifice

8. Broken Pelvis
Treatment:
• Lay casualty down keeping their head low.
• Place padding between their legs with
figure-of-eight bandage and broad-fold
bandages.
• Placing cushions under the knees may
alleviate pain.
Injuries to the pelvis are usually caused by crushing or direct
impact. There may be internal bleeding.

9. BROKEN ARM
Treatment:
• Sit the casualty down, if possible get them to
support the injured arm in their hand.
• Place a pad between his arm and chest to
immobilise and cushion the injured limb.
• Put the arm in an Arm Sling secured with a reef
knot.
• For additional support, place a broad fold
bandage over the sling and around the
casualty’s arm and chest.
Pages 38

10. BROKEN ELBOW
Elbow injuries need special care and
early treatment in hospital.
Recognising a broken elbow:
• Pain increased by attempted movement
• Stiffness
• Swelling or bruising
DO NOT attempt to straighten or bend the elbow
Pages 38

11. Broken Elbow
TREATMENT:
Pages 38

12. Sprained Ankle
• Suspect an ankle sprain if
the casualty can’t take their
full weight on their foot after
a fall or wrench
Treatment:
• Sit casualty down, raise their
foot and gently remove the
sock and shoe before
swelling occurs.
• Apply a cold compress or
icepack
• Wrap the ankle with a thick
layer of cotton wool.
Bandage the cotton wool in
place. Keep the ankle raised.
Pages 48-49

13. Ear Wound
Watery fluid from ear may be result of:
• Fracture to skull
• Perforated ear drum – could be caused by
foreign body, a blow to the side of the
head, explosion

14. Ear Wound
Aims
• To allow blood to drain away
• To minimise the risk of infection
Treatment
• Put sterile dressing or clean pad over the ear
• Casualty should tilt their head to allow blood to
drain
• Casualty should go to hospital in the treatment
position.

15. Soft Tissue Injuries
Aims
• To reduce swelling
• Obtain medical attention if necessary
R Rest the injured part
I Apply ice or cold compress
C Compress the injury
E Elevate the injured part
Page 39

16. Emergency First Aid
for Children
End of Section