How to Check for a Fracture when Performing First Aid

Lisa is a Registered Nurse with a 14 years of experience and a Masters Degree in Nursing Education. She has certifications in CPN, ACLS, PALS, and NRP.

Want to watch this again later?

Log in or sign up to add this lesson to a Custom Course.

Reacting to a Situation

You’re walking in the park and hear a child’s cry from the playground. You look over and see a young boy, about 5 or 6, lying under the monkey bars from a fall. The next sound you hear is his babysitter calling for help.

Being familiar with basic first aid and a good citizen, you go over to see how you can help. You find out that the boy’s name is Johnny and see that he definitely has a broken arm. In fact, it’s so broken some of the bone is sticking out through the skin and it is bleeding.

What do you do now?

Compound Fractures

A fracture is a break in the continuity of a bone. A compound fracture (also called an ‘open fracture’) is a fracture in which the skin is broken by bone, causing an open wound. Part of the bone may or may not be visible. Compound fractures are significant because they can cause large amounts of blood loss and increase the risk of infection.

A compound fracture in the leg

Control Bleeding

Regardless of the location of the wound, the first and most important step in first aid for a compound fracture is to stop the bleeding. Using the cleanest material available, place it over the wound and apply gentle pressure with your hand for 2-3 minutes before removing the makeshift bandage to see how much the bleeding has reduced or if it has stopped.

If the bleeding has reduced, continue the same amount of pressure for another 2-3 minutes and check again, repeating until it has stopped. However, if the bleeding has not reduced, apply a greater amount of pressure for 2-3 minutes before checking. But, don’t be like Hercules and use so much force that you are causing further movement of the bone(s).

This pressure will cause pain and Johnny will cry and his babysitter will worry. By now, his parents are probably on the phone crying too. Continue applying pressure until the bleeding stops. In the end, you, like Hercules, will be a hero to this family.

Cover the Wound

The next most important step in first aid of a compound fracture is preventing contamination of the wound as much possible. Do not wash the wound because what you likely have to rinse it with is not sterile. Water form a hose or water fountain certainly is not. Even water from a newly purchased bottle is clean, but not sterile. You do not want introduce further contaminants into the wound.

Do gently cover the wound with the cleanest material you can find. Many first aid kits come with sterile gauze, so hopefully you have access to one. With Johnny at the playground, though, that may not be possible. If someone has some clean napkins or clean laundry from a diaper bag (you are at a playground, after all) those would be good too. Try to avoid using someone’s T-shirt or toilet paper from a bathroom – both of which are likely to have contaminants on them.

Okay, you’ve stopped the bleeding and covered the wound to the best of your ability. Now is a good time to continue with basic first aid for fractures. These steps are most easily remembered with the acronym R.I.C.E., which stands for

• Rest
• Ice
• Compression
• Elevation

R.I.C.E. applies for all kinds of fractures, but will need a few extra steps for Johnny. You want to take every effort to reduce the amount of blood loss and limit the wound’s exposure to dirt and germs while keeping it protected.

Rest is very appropriate and a sling would be perfect for someone with any fracture of an arm. A leg gets rest when you don’t use it for walking.

Unlock Content

Get access risk-free for 30 days,
just create an account.

No obligation, cancel anytime.

Select a subject to preview related courses:

• Math
• History
• English
• ACT/SAT
• Science
• Business
• Psychology
• AP

Ice application prevents blood loss at the site of the fracture, which reduces swelling and helps to reduce pain.

Compression of a compound fracture must be applied carefully to continue to control the bleeding as well as reduce the amount of swelling.

Elevation of the injured part of the body to the level of the heart will further help reduce swelling and pain.

Seek Further Treatment

Of course, this is just the care you can provide on the spot; anyone with a compound fracture should immediately seek professional medical care. A more simple injury can be treated at a primary care or urgent care facility, but a more involved compound fracture warrants a trip to an emergency room via ambulance.

You wait with Johnny and assure him, his babysitter, and his parents that he will be just fine, and the doctors at the hospital will take good care of him.

A more simple compound fracture of the finger can be taken care of at an urgent care facility

Lesson Summary

Compound fractures (also known as open fractures) occur when a broken bone pierces the skin. The bone may or may not be visible through the skin. First aid for compound fractures involves stopping or controlling bleeding, covering the wound to prevent infection, followed by the steps in R.I.C.E.: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.

Finally, anyone with a compound fracture should immediately seek professional medical care, whether at a primary care or urgent care facility, or the emergency room in more extreme situations.

In this Article

In this Article

In this Article

• Call 911 if:
• 1. Stop Bleeding if Necessary
• 2. Control Swelling
• 3. Get Medical Help Immediately
• 4. Follow Up

Call 911 if:

• The person is seriously injured.
• Bone is sticking out of skin.
• Bleeding doesn’t stop after several minutes of firm pressure.
• Blood spurts from the wound.

1. Stop Bleeding if Necessary

• Apply pressure to wound area with a clean cloth until bleeding stops.

• If the bone is pushing through the skin, do not touch it or try to put it back in place.

2. Control Swelling

• Apply ice.

• Elevate the foot and have the person stay off it as much as possible.

3. Get Medical Help Immediately

• See a health care provider. Foot injuries can develop into long-lasting problems if they go untreated.

4. Follow Up

• The health care provider will X-ray the foot and may order a CT scan or MRI.

• The health care provider may recommend special shoes or apply a cast or cast boot to stabilize and protect the foot.

• Surgery may be needed for more complicated fractures.

Sources

American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons: “Foot fracture;” “Lisfranc Injuries;” and “Fractures of the Calcaneus.”

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: “Toe and Forefoot Fractures;” “Calcaneus (Heel Bone) Fractures; “Lisfranc (Midfoot) Fracture;” and “Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle.”

by John Furst · February 3, 2016

Subscribe to New First Aid For Free

An open fracture occurs when a broken bone (fracture) causes a break in the skin. This is a serious injury and requires prompt first aid treatment.

The two main risks from open fractures are infection and bleeding. Broken bones are vulnerable to infection, so if they are exposed to the environment there is a significant risk of developing a bone infection. These infections can lead to loss of life or limb.

Bleeding is another significant risk, as the broken bone end can act like a jagged knife and damage major blood vessels as it moves. Bleeding may occur beneath the skin (concealed bleeding) so will not be immediately apparent to the first aider.

Another term for open fracture is compound fracture.

First aid treatment for an open fracture

Stop any bleeding

This may require pressure around the injury if the bone is still exposed. If you have access to bandages then place one either side of the exposed bone to apply pressure around the injury and stop the bleeding. If possible cover any exposed bone with a sterile dressing to reduce the risk of infection.

Immobilise the injured part

Any further movement could cause the injury to worsen. If you are trained then apply a splint to the injured limb.

If untrained you can immobilise a limb using your hands. Support the injury from above and below.

Monitor the patient

If they loose a significant amount of blood then shock can develop. Monitoring the casualty’s pulse and respiratory rate can help you pick up the early signs of shock.

Nil by mouth

The casualty may require an emergency operation on arrival at hospital. Therefore do not give them anything to eat or drink.

Call for emergency medical help

Open fractures require expert emergency medical help. Do not delay in calling for assistance!

Conditions: You see a casualty who has signs and symptoms of a heat
injury.
The casualty has a full canteen of
cool water.

Standards:
Recognized the type of heat injury and gave
appropriate first aid.

Performance
Steps

1. Identify the type of heat injury.

b.
Heat exhaustion symptoms.
(The first five occur often.
The others occur sometimes.)

2. Provide the proper first aid for the heat injury.

(1)
Move the casualty to a
cool or shady area or improvise
shade.

(2)
Loosen the casualty’s
clothing unless in a chemical
environment.

(3)
Have the casualty
slowly drink at least one canteen
of cool water.

(1)
Move the casualty to a
cool or shady area or improvise
shade.

(2)
Loosen or remove the
casualty’s clothing and boots
unless in a chemical environment.

(3)
Pour water on the
casualty and fan him unless in a
chemical environment.

(4)
Have the casualty
slowly drink at least one canteen
of cool water.

(6)
Monitor the casualty
until the symptoms are gone or
medical aid arrives.

Note. If
possible, the casualty should not
participate in strenuous activity for
the rest of the day.

Heatstroke
is a medical emergency that may result
in death if treatment is delayed.
Start cooling measures immediately and
continue while waiting for
transportation and during evacuation

(1)
Move the casualty to a
cool or shady area or improvise
shade.

(2)
Loosen or remove the
casualty’s clothing unless in a
chemical environment.

(3)
Spray or pour water on
the casualty and fan him unless in
a chemical environment.

(4)
Massage the casualty’s
arms and legs unless in a chemical
environment.

(6)
If the casualty is
conscious, have him slowly drink
at least one canteen of cool
water.

Note. Watch the
casualty closely for life-threatening
conditions, check for other injuries,
and seek medical aid.

Brief
Soldier: Describe to the soldier the signs and/or symptoms of heat
cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke, and
ask the soldier what type of heat injury is
indicated.
Then ask the soldier what should be
done to treat the heat injury described.

Performance
Measures

GO

NO
GO

1. Identified the type of heat injury.

2. Provided the proper first aid for the heat injury.

Evaluation
Guidance:
Score the soldier GO if all
performance measures are passed.
Score the soldier NO GO if any
performance measure is failed.
If the soldier scores NO GO, show
what was done wrong and how to do it
correctly.

• Latest Posts
• Most Popular
• Editor’s Choice

• Texas
• California
• Florida
• North Carolina
• Washington

• Spouse Benefits & MyCAA
• Post 9/11 GI Bill
• Montgomery GI Bill

Copyright © 2020 EducationDynamics. All Rights Reserved.

This is a private website that is not affiliated with the U.S. government, U.S. Armed Forces or Department of Veteran Affairs. U.S. government agencies have not reviewed this information. This site is not connected with any government agency. If you would like to find more information about benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, please visit the official U.S. government web site for veterans’ benefits at

The sponsored schools featured on this site do not include all schools that accept GI Bill® funding or VA Benefits.For more information on how to choose a school, visit. For more information on ArmyStudyGuide.com, visit our FAQ page or follow the About Us link found below. To contact ArmyStudyGuide, email us.

Disclosure: EducationDynamics receives compensation for the featured schools on our websites (see “Sponsored Schools” or “Sponsored Listings” or “Sponsored Results”). So what does this mean for you? Compensation may impact where the Sponsored Schools appear on our websites, including whether they appear as a match through our education matching services tool, the order in which they appear in a listing, and/or their ranking. Our websites do not provide, nor are they intended to provide, a comprehensive list of all schools (a) in the United States (b) located in a specific geographic area or (c) that offer a particular program of study. By providing information or agreeing to be contacted by a Sponsored School, you are in no way obligated to apply to or enroll with the school.

This is an offer for educational opportunities that may lead to employment and not an offer for nor a guarantee of employment. Students should consult with a representative from the school they select to learn more about career opportunities in that field. Program outcomes vary according to each institution’s specific program curriculum. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. The financial aid information on this site is for informational and research purposes only and is not an assurance of financial aid.

In this Article

In this Article

In this Article

• 1. When to See a Health Care Provider
• 2. Treat Symptoms
• 3. Follow Up

1. When to See a Health Care Provider

Go to a hospital emergency room or see a health care provider immediately if:

• You cannot stop the nose from bleeding.

• The nostril or nasal septum is crooked or out of place.

• The person has clear drainage from one or both nostrils or a grapelike swelling inside the nose on the septum.

2. Treat Symptoms

• Apply ice for pain and swelling.

• Have the person rest and keep the head elevated even when sleeping.

• The person should avoid blowing his or her nose.

• Give acetaminophen for pain. Do not give NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin.

3. Follow Up

• If the nose is not out of position, rest and home treatment may be all that’s needed.

• If the nose is crooked or it is difficult for the person to breathe through the nose, see a health care provider.

If you see a health care provider, the next steps depend on the particular case:

• To stop bleeding, the health care provider may pack the nostrils with gauze.

• For a simple fracture, the health care provider may straighten the nose.

• Surgery may be needed to move bone or cartilage back in place for a more complicated fracture.

Sources

Palo Alto Medical Foundation: “Broken nose (nasal fracture).“

American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and American Association of Orthodontists: “Prevent accidents first. . . But, know what to do when they do occur.”

American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery: “Nasal Fractures.”

Harvard Health Publications: “Broken Nose (Nasal Fracture).”

A burn is tissue damage from contact with:

• flames
• very hot water (scalding)
• corrosive chemicals
• electricity
• radiation (including sunburn)

The first step in treating a burn injury is determining whether the burn is a minor or major one. That determination will direct action and treatment. Read on to learn the difference and how to treat both types.

Major burns can be recognized by four primary characteristics:

• deep
• result in dry, leathery skin
• larger than 3 inches in diameter or cover the face, hands, feet, buttocks, groin, or a major joint
• have a charred appearance or patches of black, brown, or white

Minor burns are recognized by the following characteristics:

• less than 3 inches in diameter
• surface redness (like a sunburn)
• skin blistering
• pain

The first step in treating a major burn is to call 911 or seek emergency medical care.

Steps to take until emergency arrives include:

1. Make sure you and the person who’s burned are safe and out of harm’s way. Move them away from the source of the burn. If it’s an electrical burn, turn off the power source before touching them.
2. Check to see if they’re breathing. If needed, start rescue breathing if you’ve been trained.
3. Remove restrictive items from their body, such as belts and jewelry in or near the burned areas. Burned areas typically swell quickly.
4. Cover the burned area. Use a clean cloth or bandage that’s moistened with cool, clean water.
5. Separate fingers and toes. If hands and feet are burned, separate the fingers and toes with dry and sterile, nonadhesive bandages.
6. Remove clothing from burned areas, but don’t try to remove clothing that’s stuck to the skin.
7. Avoid immersing the person or burned body parts in water. Hypothermia (severe loss of body heat) can occur if you immerse large, severe burns in water.
8. Raise the burned area. If possible, elevate the burned area above their heart.
9. Watch for shock. Signs and symptoms of shock include shallow breathing, pale complexion, and fainting.

Rod Brouhard is an emergency medical technician paramedic (EMT-P), journalist, educator, and advocate for emergency medical service providers and patients.

Michael Menna, DO, is a board-certified, active attending emergency medicine physician at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York.

If someone has neck pain after a significant injury, you should always suspect a cervical (C) spine injury. Whether they truly have one or not, holding the C-spine is imperative in these cases, as the cervical vertebrae (spine bones of the neck) could be shifted or damaged if the neck is twisted, compressed, or hyperextended.

A fracture or displacement of the C-spine—whether the result of the initial injury or a lack of immobilization after it occurred—can press on or cut the spinal cord. This can result in temporary or permanent paralysis or even death.

There are many ways in which the neck could be injured in such a way as to cause a C-spine injury. Some common causes include:

• Vehicle or bicycle accidents
• Sports injuries
• Falls
• Assaults

Follow the first aid protocol for how to hold the C-spine properly if you find yourself coming to the aid of anyone who has hurt their neck, and proceed with caution until the injury is properly evaluated by medical personnel.

What to Do for a Suspected C-Spine Injury

First aid involves taking precautions to avoid further injury as much as treating issues that need attention. The benefits of immobilizing a potentially compromised C-spine are so significant that there should be no question about taking these important steps, whether they end up proving necessary or not.

1. Ensure that the environment is safe for both rescuer and patient before providing any first aid. Always practice universal precautions and use personal protective equipment, if possible, whenever you may come in contact with blood or body fluids.

2. Call 911 for an ambulance. Make sure you know your location, particularly if you are calling 911 on a cell phone.

3. Check to see if the patient is breathing:

• If the patient is not breathing or breathing abnormally (gasping), begin CPR. Perform chest compressions, or hands-only CPR, until help arrives. While it’s important to minimize movement of the spine, lifesaving first aid such as CPR should take priority. If someone is available to help, that person can place one hand on either side of the patient’s head to keep it in a neutral position while you perform CPR. If you’re trained in rescue breathing, use the jaw-thrust maneuver rather than the head-tilt chin-lift maneuver to keep the neck in a neutral position.  
• If the patient is unconscious but breathing, place both hands on either side of their head to keep it steady until medical help arrives. In most cases, the patient should not be moved if you suspect a cervical spine injury. However, if the patient’s airway needs to be kept clear from vomit or fluids, you can place the victim in the recovery position. Carefully roll the person onto their side while supporting the head, neck, and spine in a straight position. (If possible, have multiple people help with this.) Next, place padding, such as a pillow, under the patient’s head to keep the neck straight.
• If the patient is awake, place both hands on either side of the patient’s head to steady it. Hold the patient’s head gently but firmly to keep it from moving. Only release the head to help with the patient’s airway, breathing, or circulation, or if the scene becomes unsafe. If you need to attend to their injuries or someone else’s, you can ask them to stare at something on the ceiling or in the sky to keep their head still.

4. Continue to immobilize the patient’s head in any of the above situations until medical help arrives.

Patients should also be encouraged to keep their bodies as still as possible, as any movement can put the C-spine at risk.

Important Tips

Don’t wrestle with a patient to keep their head straight. You could do more damage by forcing a patient not to move than just allowing it to happen.

Always call 911 for suspected cervical spine injuries. Once the patient arrives at the hospital, they must undergo diagnostic tests, such as an MRI, CT scan, or x-ray, to determine the extent of the damage.

Rod Brouhard is an emergency medical technician paramedic (EMT-P), journalist, educator, and advocate for emergency medical service providers and patients.

Michael Menna, DO, is a board-certified, active attending emergency medicine physician at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York.

• Broken Bones
• Allergies & Anaphylaxis
• Bites & Stings
• Breathing Emergencies
• Bruises, Cuts & Punctures
• Heat & Cold Exposure
• Infections
• Rash
• Emergency Preparedness
• Calling for Help

View All

Nobody denies that a broken wrist is a very painful injury. However, as bad as they feel, they’re rarely life-threatening emergencies. In many cases, there’s not much you can do to help at home. This is going to require a trip to the emergency department (or at least to a clinic that has the ability to take X-rays).

The following steps will help you learn to recognize a broken wrist and to decide how to take care of it.

Symptoms

Here’s what to look for to tell if the wrist is broken. You don’t have to see all of these, but the more you see, the bigger the chance that the wrist is busted.  

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Deformity
• Numbness or tingling
• Broken skin with bone visible
• Limited mobility of the wrist

Immediate Response

If an accident occurs, make sure the injured person is in a safe location. Check for bleeding and apply pressure to any open wounds until the bleeding stops. If needed, the wound can be rinsed, ideally with sterile water or saline solution. Cover any broken skin with a sterile dressing.

If there are signs of a head, back, or neck injury, do not attempt to move the injured person unless there is an imminent physical danger. Otherwise, wait for emergency help to arrive.

Splinting a Wrist

If an ambulance is unavailable, it may be necessary to splint the broken wrist. Before splinting, check the following three things:

• Check circulation by comparing the color and temperature of the injured wrist against the uninjured wrist.
• Check sensation by asking the patient which finger you are touching.
• Check motion by having the patient wiggle his or her fingers.

In an emergency situation, you can make a splint with a heavy stick, folded cardboard, or a rolled-up newspaper along with some one-inch strips of cloth.   Avoid using duct tape or other adhesive tapes that may be difficult to remove later.

To make a homemade splint:

1. Gently wrap the wrist in some cloth or padding to help cushion the break. Do not attempt to realign the bones; leave that task to the professionals
2. Place the splint so that it rests on the joint above and the joint below the injury.
3. Using strips of cloth, fasten the splint tightly enough to keep the joint steady and secure but not enough to cut off circulation. Try not to place ties directly over the wound.
4. Be sure to immobilize the hand. Any movement of the hand will result in pressure on the wrist.
5. Recheck circulation, sensation, and motion.

Once the splint is secure, you can ice the wrist to reduce swelling. Start by placing a cloth barrier on the skin to prevent frostbite. Ice the skin for 15 minutes, moving it constantly, then remove for 15 minutes. Repeat until help arrives.

Other Tips

If, after splinting, the wrist begins to swell, turn pale, or look blue-ish, loosen the ties a bit. They may be too tight. The ties should be secure enough to stabilize the wrist, but you should always be able to feel a pulse.

You should also loosen the ties if there in continued or worsening pain. If these measures don’t help and the injured person is still experiencing pain, you should remove the splint altogether.

If the injured person is feeling faint and has short, rapid breath, they may be going into shock. Lay them down without affecting the injured wrist and elevate the feet slightly above the head. Keep the person warm until help arrives.

Playlist includes 9 training videos

First aid providers are often called to assist with traumatic injuries. Knowing how to respond to a variety of situations is important for first aid providers. First aid responders are valuable in providing initial care and assisting more skilled providers in delivering care to the seriously injured persons.

Controlling Bleeding

Blood loss often gets the most attention. Many times the amount of bleeding is overestimated and draws attention to wounds when more serious injuries should be dealt with first. Whenever confronted with bleeding, perform a quick overview of the person to make sure something more serious is not being overlooked.

Always use personal protective equipment prior to caring for an injured and bleeding person. The person can be instructed to perform some self-care while you put on your protective gear.

The most effective way to stop bleeding from a wound is to apply direct pressure. Use a dressing and your gloved hand to apply firm and direct pressure to the injured area. Continue to hold the pressure until the bleeding stops. If there are multiple wounds, apply pressure dressings to the worst injuries first, and then to the lesser bleeding injuries. The person may temporarily be able to assist by holding pressure on some areas.

Very small wounds such as scrapes can heal more rapidly by using an antibiotic salve. Ask the person if they have any allergies before applying the antibiotic salve. Thoroughly wash minor scrapes and abrasions with soap and water before bandaging.

Massive bleeding can occur due to extreme injuries such as open fractures or deep lacerations. When direct pressure does not control bleeding, a tourniquet may be required. Tourniquets can consist of a blood pressure cuff, belt, or premade versions. Although commercially prepared tourniquets are more effective than improvised ones, if none is available, one can be made quickly using a piece of cloth and stick-like object. Understand that application of a tourniquet is painful but may be necessary to prevent life-threatening blood loss. Tourniquet use is difficult and can be dangerous if done incorrectly. Direct pressure should be applied first.

Last updated March 5, 2018

Fainting (or syncope) is a sudden and temporary, loss of consciousness.

What is Fainting?

• Fainting is a sudden and temporary, loss of consciousness. It is medically termed as Syncope
• It may be caused by a variety of factors including decreased blood sugar in the body, certain drugs, alcohol abuse, and complications related to the heart

What are the Causes of Fainting?

The common (less serious) conditions for Fainting include:

• Heat exhaustion
• Prolonged standing
• Stress
• Dehydration
• Hyperventilation (anxiety/panic attacks)
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Pregnancy
• Certain medications may drop one’s blood pressure and cause Fainting spells

The more serious conditions that cause Fainting include:

• Seizures
• Heart arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm)
• Choking
• Drug, alcohol use (or abuse)
• Stroke
• Heart attack

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Fainting?

The signs and symptoms of Fainting include:

• Sweating
• Face may appear pale
• Faster rate of heartbeat (palpitations)
• Nausea
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Loss of balance leading to falls
• Vision problems

How is First Aid administered for Fainting?

First Aid tips for Fainting:

If the individual is Fainting:

• Have him/her sit down with head between knees, or make them lie down

If the individual has Fainted:

• Lay the individual down, flat on their back
• Check airways for signs of breathing. If they are not breathing or moving, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR ) and call 911 or your local emergency number
• If there is any vomiting or bleeding from the mouth, turn the person onto their side, in order to prevent them from choking
• Slightly elevate their feet
• Loosen their clothes
• DO NOT move the person, if they have sustained any obvious neck or back injuries, while Fainting (or falling)

Call 911 (or your local emergency number), if the individual:

• Does not regain consciousness within 1-2 minutes
• Is not breathing or moving
• Has sustained serious injuries while Fainting
• Has problem talking or seeing
• Is experiencing a chest pain

Who should administer First Aid for Fainting?

Anyone in close proximity of the affected individual can provide First Aid, but a trained medical professional should attend to the victim, as early as possible.

What is the Prognosis of Fainting?

The prognosis is dependent on the underlying cause of the Fainting episode and the time elapsed in seeking medical attention.

How can Fainting be Prevented?

A few helpful tips to avoid/prevent Fainting include:

• Take (work) breaks, when working for long periods of time
• Drink enough fluids (especially during summer), to avoid dehydration
• Breath into a paper bag, when breathing rapidly; in case of hyperventilation from anxiety/panic attacks
• Check blood glucose levels regularly; particularly if you are prone to have abnormal blood glucose levels
• Check blood pressures regularly, if you have a history of high or low blood pressures
• Wear medication alert bracelets

What are certain Crucial Steps to be followed?

• Calling 911 (or your local emergency number) appropriately
• Perform CPR, if the individual who Fainted has trouble breathing

What are some Useful Resources for Additional Information?

American Heart Association (AHA)
7272 Greenville Ave. Dallas, TX 75231
Phone: 1-800-AHA-USA-1, 1-800-242-8721, 1-888-474-VIVE
Email: [email protected]
Website:

References and Information Sources used for the Article:

(accessed on 6/26/2013)

(accessed on 6/26/2013)

Helpful Peer-Reviewed Medical Articles:

Kidd, S. K., Doughty, C., & Goldhaber, S. Z. (2016). Syncope (Fainting). Circulation, 133(16), e600-e602.

Low, D. A., & Mathias, C. J. (2017). Syncope (or fainting) is defined as atransient and/or. The Neurosciences and the Practice of Aviation Medicine, 275.

Eisenbruch, M. (2017). Mass fainting in garment factories in Cambodia. Transcultural psychiatry, 54(2), 155-178.

Wang, K. F., Chang, C. C., Hsu, C. Y., Lee, C. W., Lin, C. H., & Chiang, C. E. (2015). Fainting After Chest Pain. Acta Cardiologica Sinica, 31(3), 241.

Pederiva, F., Barbi, E., Zennaro, F., & Neri, E. (2015). Fainting starting parenteral nutrition. Pediatric emergency care, 31(9), 648.

Sparling, K., & Martin Wood, M. S. L. I. S. (2017). Information Overload (and Fainting Goats). PLAID-People Living with And Inspired by Diabetes, 2(2).

Last updated March 5, 2018

Fall Injuries in Adults are common problems, especially in those over the age of 65 years. It is reported that about 20% of such falls result in a bone fracture or a severe head injury (traumatic brain injury).

What is Fall Injuries in Adults?

• Fall Injuries in Adults are common problems, especially in those over the age of 65 years. It is reported that about 20% of such falls result in a bone fracture or a severe head injury (traumatic brain injury)
• The condition may be caused by body weaknesses that is brought about by advancing age, loss of balance, vision problems, or through accidents

What are the Causes of Fall Injuries in Adults?

Older adults are more at risk for fall injuries than younger and middle-aged adults. Fall Injuries in Adults may be caused by the following factors:

• Old age and/or sickness causing weakness and frailty
• Balance issues, slipping on smooth or wet surfaces
• Losing balance while using staircases
• Tripping over things/objects at home (such as carpets, rugs, and floor mats); this is especially observed to take place in older adults
• Individuals who use walking aids, wheelchairs may be more prone to falls
• Obesity or overweight individuals with weak legs; weakness of the lower body
• Lack of sufficient physical activity or exercise
• Lack of proper vision
• Use of certain medications that cause sleepiness or dizziness (such as sedatives and anti-anxiety medications)
• Falling due to a sudden heart attack, seizure, or stroke (or other medical conditions)
• Wearing poor or unsuitable footwear
• Accidents while working in heights
• Influence of alcohol
• Lack of proper sleep due to working late hours, night shifts

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Fall Injuries in Adults?

The signs and symptoms of Fall Injuries in Adults depend on several factors including the height of the fall and the age, weight, and health of the affected individual. The signs and symptoms may include:

• Lacerations
• The injured site is swollen
• Bruises and contusions
• Injury to the arms, legs, and head
• Fracture of the bones – affecting the wrist, hip, shoulder, arm, or skull bones
• Injury to the spinal cord that may be serious
• Falling onto sharp or blunt objects may result in internal body injury including internal bleeding

Women with weaker bones (due to osteoporosis) are higher prone to fractures due to weaker bones.

How is First Aid administered for Fall Injuries in Adults?

First Aid tips for Fall Injuries in Adults:

• Calling 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately, if:
  • There is heavy bleeding from the injury site; or, bleeding from the nose, ears, or mouth
  • A head, neck, back, or hip injury is suspected
  • The affected individual has difficulty breathing
  • The individual is unable to move or is unconscious
• For minor fall injuries, the following may be considered:
  • Clean visible wounds with water
  • Apply an ice pack to injury site to reduce swelling and pain; do not apply ice directly to the skin, but wrap it in a cloth or towel
  • Stop any bleeding by applying pressure, using a sterile dressing or a clean cloth
  • In case of a fracture, try to immobilize the site (if you are trained to do so)
• Try to comfort the affected individual and assess the reason for the fall (if possible)
• In case no injury is evident, ask them to rest (stay seated or lie down) for a while before slowly helping them stand up
• In such cases, when elderly adults are affected, it is important to monitor them for the next 1-2 days to ensure that there are no other symptoms
• A tetanus shot may be necessary, in case of an open cut/wound
• Take the individual to emergency room (ER) for further treatment, as quickly as possible
• Take an over-the-counter painkiller, if the pain is severe

Who should administer First Aid for Fall Injuries in Adults?

The injured individual or any bystander can administer first aid; however, the affected individual must seek medical assistance for a definitive management of fall injuries.

What is the Prognosis of Fall Injuries in Adults?

• The prognosis of Fall Injuries in Adults is based on factors that include the following:
  • Age and gender of the individual
  • Height of the fall
  • Weight of the individual
  • Overall health status
• Older adults, who are heavy, and had had serious fall injuries may have poorer prognoses than fall injuries that take place in younger and much healthier adults
• Injuries to the brain and hip fractures in older adults (65 years and over) may portend poorer outcomes

How can Fall Injuries in Adults be Prevented?

A few helpful tips to prevent Fall Injury in Adults:

• Fall-proof the home; address slippery smooth surfaces that poses risk for falls, and address issues of loose rugs, mats that curl at the ends, etc.
• Improve balance and movement by performing certain simple exercises daily/regularly
• Undertake periodic eye checkups (once a year or so) and use suitable glasses
• Keep spaces used by older members of the family clutter free and bright
• Provide suitable ‘grab bars’ in toilets, shower areas, along staircases, etc.
• Use appropriate safety equipment, especially while participating in sports
• Use suitable safety belts while working in heights