Figure 10-51.--Boards used as emergency splints for fractured thigh.
The outside splint should reach from the armpit to the
the pillow around to the front of the leg and pin them
foot. Make sure the inside splint reaches from the crotch
together. Then place one splint on each side of the leg,
over the pillow, and fasten them in place with strips of
to the fret. The splints should be fastened in five places:
(1) around the ankle, (2) over the knee, (3) just below
bandage or adhesive tape.
the hip, (4) around the pelvis, and (5) just below the
Treat the victim for shock and obtain medical care
armpit. Both legs should be tied together to support the
as soon as possible.
injured leg as firmly as possible.
It is essential that a fractured thigh be splinted before
FRACTURE OF THE KNEECAP
the victim is moved. Ready-made splints are best, but
improvised splints may be used. Figure 10-51 shows
TREATMENT. The first-aid treatment for a
how boards may be used as an emergency splint for a
fractured kneecap is as follows:
fractured thigh. Remember, DO NOT MOVE THE
Carefully straighten the injured limb. Immobilize
VICTIM UNTIL THE INJURED LEG HAS BEEN
the fracture by placing a padded board under the injured
IMMOBILIZED.
limb. The board should be at least 4 inches wide and
Treat the victim for shock and obtain medical care
should reach from the buttock to the heel. Place extra
as soon as possible.
padding under the knee and just above the heel, as shown
in figure 10-52. Use strips of bandage to fasten the leg
FRACTURE OF THE LOWER LEG
to the board in four places: (1) just below the knee, (2)
just above the knee, (3) at the ankle, and (4) at the thigh.
When both bones of the lower leg are broken, the
DO NOT COVER THE KNEE ITSELF. Swelling is
usual signs of fracture are likely to be present. When
likely to occur rapidly, and any bandage or tie fastened
only one bone is broken, the other one acts as a splint
over the knee would quickly become too tight.
and, thus to some extent, prevents deformity of the leg;
Treat the victim for shock, and obtain medical care
however, tenderness, swelling, and pain at the point of
as soon as possible.
fracture are usually present. A fracture just above the
ankle is often mistaken for a sprain. When both bones
FRACTURE OF THE COLLARBONE
of the lower leg are broken, an open fracture is likely to
result.
A person with a fractured collarbone usually shows
TREATMENT. When the fracture is open, stop the
definitive symptoms. When the victim stands, the
bleeding and treat the wound.
Carefully straighten the injured leg. Apply three
splints: one on each side of the leg and one underneath.
Ensure the splints are well padded, especially under the
knee and at the bones on each side of the ankle.
A pillow and two side splints work well for
treatment of a fractured lower leg. Place the pillow
beside the injured leg; then carefully lift the leg and
Figure 10-52.--Immobilization of fractured kneecap.
place it in the middle of the pillow. Bring the edges of
10-36
