Identify, stabilize, and care for bone injuries and sprains when medical help is delayed.
Sprains and fractures are among the most common injuries during disasters — from falls in the dark, debris cleanup, earthquakes, and evacuations. Knowing how to distinguish a sprain from a fracture, immobilize an injury, and provide proper care when medical help is hours or days away can prevent permanent damage and save lives. This guide covers assessment, the RICE protocol for sprains, splinting techniques for fractures, dislocation care, and when to seek emergency treatment.
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Sprain: pain around a joint, swelling, bruising, can bear some weight (usually). Fracture: severe pain, visible deformity, bone visible through skin (open fracture), inability to bear any weight, numbness or tingling below injury.
Important Warning
If there is an open wound with bone visible, or the limb is deformed or discolored, treat as a fracture and seek emergency care immediately.
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