Need help right now?
If someone needs immediate help with open fracture, use emergency mode.
Do this nowThis content is in Draft and has not been professionally reviewed. It is provided for preview while expert review is in progress.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A broken bone has pierced the skin, or there is a deep wound with visible bone. Bleeding may be present.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Call 112. Cover wound. Do not push bone in. Keep limb still. Control bleeding.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Bone visible through skin or in the wound.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Deep wound with abnormal limb shape or grinding feeling.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Heavy bleeding, limb turning pale, cold, or numb.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — An open fracture exposes bone to dirt and bacteria. Infection and blood loss can be life-threatening.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — The break may also damage nerves and blood vessels nearby.
Check the scene before you approach.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 or 108. Say open fracture with possible bone showing.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Tell the person not to move the injured limb.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Cover the wound with a clean cloth or sterile dressing. Do not touch the bone directly.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Apply gentle pressure around the wound edges to slow bleeding — not on the exposed bone.
When and how to get professional help.
All open fractures need emergency surgery — call immediately.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do not reset the bone, remove bone fragments, or probe the wound.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 or 108. Say: "Open fracture. Bone may be visible. Bleeding controlled / ongoing."
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Give location and what caused the injury — fall, vehicle, machine.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT push the bone back into the wound.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT wash the wound with dirty water or pick out debris deeply.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT give food or drink.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — You should push the bone back in to protect it
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Only surgeons in a sterile setting should reposition bone. Pushing it in causes infection and nerve damage.
Other scenarios in the same family.
Fall from height
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person fell from a ladder, roof, balcony, tree, or building. They may have multiple injuries including head, spine, chest, and limbs.
Femur fracture
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — After a major fall or crash, the thigh is very painful, swollen, or bent wrong. The person cannot bear weight on the leg.
Neck fracture
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — After diving, vehicle crash, fall, or sports impact, the person has neck pain or cannot move arms or legs normally.
Pelvic fracture
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — After a fall from height, vehicle crash, or crush injury, the person has severe pain in the hip, groin, or lower belly and cannot move easily.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Support the limb in the position found using pillows, rolled cloth, or splint materials if available.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Keep the person warm and lying down if they feel weak.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Open fractures always need emergency hospital care and surgery.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Severe infection and permanent limb damage.