A Background
Your body consists of over 200 bones of all different shapes and sizes. All of these bones exist in addition to muscles, tendons, ligaments and the major body organs. Bones are normally very strong and do not break easily. However when they do break it can be painful and there may be blood.

There are two types of bone injury – fractures (which may be open or closed) and dislocations, which involve muscles and joints as well. A joint is formed where the end of two (or more) bones meet.

The bones are held together by ligaments, which tear when a joint is forced further than normal. A sprain is the tearing of these ligaments at a joint and a strain is the stretching or tearing of muscles or tendons. When a particular muscle is injured another close-by muscle may take over.

An open fracture occurs when a broken bone tears through the skin causing an open wound.

In a closed fracture the skin is not broken and this is the more common type of fracture.

With an open fracture you may experience infection and heavy bleeding. A fracture can be life-threatening if it affects breathing, severs an artery or occurs in a very large bone.

A dislocation is more noticeable than a fracture. A dislocation occurs when a bone is moved out of place of its’ normal position. The ligaments are torn and the bone no longer functions as it did.

There is usually a bump that is caused by the bone and joint being misplaced.

Sprains may swell up but heal reasonably quickly. Pain is minimal and the victim is normally active quite quickly, which can cause the sprain to reoccur. Proper rest is required.

Strains are caused by working a muscle too hard, This is often by lifting heavy objects or not warming the muscles properly before exercise. Strains tend to reoccur. Proper rest is required.

An x ray is the best way to assess the extent of any injury. However there are tell tale signs that you can see. The injury may be swollen and red in colour. Suspected injuries should be compared to uninjured parts. Eg – compare arms, shoulder and so on.

Treatment
Immediate care of these injuries is the same regardless of the specific type of injury.

The victim must rest and be made as comfortable as possible. Ice should be applied to the immediate area to reduce pain and swelling.

	Movement should be restricted by supporting the body with pillows or coats, if outdoors. Do not try to move a victim with a severe break unless it is absolutely necessary. Dial 999 if this is the case.
	If you must move the victim, you should immobilize the injured body part. One way is to use a splint and you should splint the bone without trying to adjust its’ position. You can use another part of the body as a splint if necessary.
	There are both soft and rigid splints. The first are made from blankets or clothes and include slings. A rigid splint involves using magazines, wood or metal. Use strips of cloth to tie the injured body part to the splint. Tie them securely but not too tightly.
	Apply ice and raise the injured part. Support if necessary.
	Prevent the victim from getting cold or too hot.
	Be reassuring!

Beware of any change in condition. This includes:

	Breathing
	Consciousness
	Nausea and vomiting
	Severe pain
	Bleeding
	Loss of balance
	Seizures

IN ANY CASE YOU SHOULD SEEK URGENT MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR THE VICTIM.
DO NOT MOVE THE VICTIM IF YOU THINK THE VICTIM HAS A HEAD OR SPINAL INJURY.