Fractures, Strains & Sprains
What you student's should be able to do / understand after the session:
- Knowledge of different types of fracture
- Can recognise the signs of a fracture
- Understands that straightening of a angulated limb should not to attempted
- Can identify when emergency help is required
- Knowledge of the high risk of infection in an open fracture
- Can treat and position casualty appropriately
- Understands the risks associated with spinal injury
- Can treat and position casualty with suspected spinal injury appropriately
- Understands when an unconscious casualty with suspected spinal injury may have to be moved into the recovery position
Example session format:
EXPLAIN
Difference between Strain, Sprain & Fracture. Signs & symptoms of each. (+ R.I.C.E.)
DEMONSTRATE
How to correctly bandage and/or fit triangular bandage
IMITATE
Get your students to practice techniques on each other (observe throughout)
CORRECTION
Offer advice and guidance on best practice, correct any mistakes
TRY AGAIN
Allow students additional practice to perfect technique or try a different / new one OR set up scenario
SUMMARY
Q & A check for understanding and emphasise important 'take aways'
What is a Sprain?
Injury to a ligament
Examples of Sprain Symptoms:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Difficulty moving injured area
First Aid for Sprain:
- Resting injured area
- Applying ice pack to reduce inflammation
- Compressing or bandaging the injured area
- Elevating injured area above heart
What is a Strain?
Injury to a muscle or where the muscle and tendon are connected
Examples of Strain Symptoms:
- Cramping
- Pain
- Muscle weakness or stiffness
- Swelling or Bruising
First Aid for Strain (R.I.C.E.):
- Resting injured area
- Ice pack to reduce inflammation
- Compressing or bandaging the injured area
- Elevating injured area above heart
What is a fracture?
A break in the bone which can be minor (i.e. hairline fracture) or major.
Examples of Fracture Symptoms:
- Sudden and severe pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Inability to move injured area
- Numbness / Tingling in area
First Aid for Fracture:
- Stopping any bleeding with sterile bandage
- Keep injured area still (do not attempt to realign bone)
- Apply ice pack to reduce swelling and pain
- Seek medical assistance
Types of Fracture:
Useful Downloads:
Spinal Injuries:
Assume possible spinal injury if:
- Accident directly involving spine
- Severe pain in neck / back
- Loss of sensation
- Loss of control of limbs, bladder or bowels
- Breathing difficulties
- Bruising / tenderness of skin on spine
- Struggle to move neck & feel week or paralysed
First Aid for spinal injuries:
- Reassure casualty
- Call emergency services
- Immobilise - prevent neck, spine & head movement (knee behind, rest elbows on ground, place hands each side of head (fingers above & below ears)
- If unresponsive - carry out jaw thrust technique
- If unresponsive & not breathing normally start CPR - DO NOT tilt head backwards use jaw thrust technique to open airway
Useful Downloads:
