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Civilian Emergency Platform
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A broken bone has pierced the skin, or there is a deep wound with visible bone. Bleeding may be present.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — NOT EXPERT REVIEWED — NOT FOR PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
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.
Scene hazards: Blood-borne infection, Traffic, Sharp debris, Further falls
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.
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 — 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.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Open fractures always need emergency hospital care and surgery.
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.
MYTH: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — You should push the bone back in to protect it
REALITY: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Only surgeons in a sterile setting should reposition bone. Pushing it in causes infection and nerve damage.
DANGER: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Severe infection and permanent limb damage.
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.