After the completion of the head-to-toe assessment, (See our other article titled, “Assessment of Survivors of Natural Disasters with Non-Life-Threatening Injuries”) the rescuer should begin administering first aid to individuals according to the assessment findings and in alignment with the training they have. CERT trained members receive instruction in the treatment of all the injuries or conditions discovered during the head-to-toe check.
During the assessment process when injuries are identified, the rescuer is to document, mentally and later in written format, the injuries that need to be attended to once the assessment is completed. These non-life-threatening injuries include burns, wounds, contusions, sprains, fractures, joint dislocations, hypothermia, dehydration, etc. In this article we will focus on caring for fractures.
A fracture is a breaking of a bone. A bone can fracture in different locations, in different ways, can be displaced (deformity) or non-displaced (in alignment), and may break the skin (open or compound fracture) or not break the skin (closed fracture). The type and severity of fracture usually depends on the magnitude of force causing the break. It is stated that the average person suffers two bone fractures during a lifetime.
Some sources will instruct to use traction to place the displaced “long” bone back into its anatomical position. However, this should usually only be the protocol if in a wilderness setting and a long way (and time) from proper medical care.
These general guidelines are primarily for treating a fractured bone in the upper and lower limbs. Fractured bones in the head, neck, back, or pelvis present special conditions requiring additional precautions and unique interventions. It’s obvious that moving a victim with a fracture in any of these areas poses additional risk and requires certain techniques to minimize those risks.
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