Introduction
Complete or incomplete break or a crack in a bone due to an
excessive amount of force.
Recognition and treatment
Look for
- Swelling
- Unnatural range of movement
- Immobility
- Grating noise or feeling
- Deformity
- Loss of strength
- Shock
- Twisting
- Shortening or bending of a limb.
Support and immobilise
- Support the injured limb
- Immobilise the affected part.
Call for help
- Dial 999 or 112 for an ambulance
- Treat for shock
More information about fractures
A fracture may cause other internal injuries.
In addition to the treatment above, if the fractured bone
ruptures the skin, treat for an object in wound.
Related topics
Next steps
Take a first aid course
The advice provided in this section is no substitute for proper
first aid training.
St John Ambulance holds first aid courses throughout the
country. The following courses cover this topic:
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