A suspected broken arm requires immediate, temporary care to prevent further injury before professional medical help is secured. The primary goal of first aid is to stabilize the limb and manage pain until the person can be assessed by a healthcare provider. This information is for educational purposes only and should never replace the advice or treatment of a medical professional. A suspected fracture demands a doctor’s attention.
Identifying the Signs of a Fracture
Recognizing the signs of a fracture is the first step in addressing a potential arm injury. The person may report hearing or feeling a distinct snap or a grinding sensation at the moment of injury. Intense pain is typically present and worsens with even slight movement of the arm.
Visual inspection may reveal severe swelling, rapid bruising or discoloration, and a noticeable deformity, such as the arm appearing bent or at an unusual angle. In severe instances, known as an open or compound fracture, a piece of bone may be visibly protruding through the skin. The person may also experience an inability to move the arm or a loss of sensation, including numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers, which can signal nerve involvement.
Immediate Steps for Stabilization
Once a fracture is suspected, focus on securing the person’s safety and immobilizing the injured limb. First, ensure the surroundings are safe. If there is severe external bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or sterile dressing to control blood loss. For an open fracture, apply pressure around the wound, avoiding the protruding bone or the fracture site.
Immobilizing the arm prevents sharp bone ends from causing further damage to soft tissues, nerves, or blood vessels. Support the limb in the position it was found, as this is often the most comfortable position. A temporary splint can be fashioned using rigid items, such as rolled-up newspapers or wooden slats, extending to immobilize the joints both above and below the fracture site.
The splint materials should be padded with soft material, like clothing or a towel, to increase comfort and prevent pressure points. Secure the splint with tape or bandages. Then, use a sling to support the arm across the chest to further limit movement. Check the person’s fingers frequently to ensure the splinting is not too tight, which would restrict blood circulation.
Applying a cold pack, such as ice wrapped in a cloth, to the injury site helps reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Apply the pack intermittently for up to 20 minutes at a time, never placing it directly against the skin. Monitor the person for signs of shock, which may include pale skin, rapid breathing, or feeling faint. If shock signs appear, keep the person warm and reassured, laying them down with their head slightly lower than their trunk if possible.
Crucial Actions to Avoid
Certain actions must be avoided when managing a suspected arm fracture, as they can cause severe harm. Never attempt to realign or straighten the injured arm, even if it appears to be at an unnatural angle. If a bone has broken through the skin, do not attempt to push the bone back beneath the surface, as this risks infection and extensive tissue damage.
Unless the person is in immediate danger (e.g., fire or unstable structure), they should not be moved. Movement risks turning a closed fracture into an open one or causing bone ends to sever nearby nerves and arteries. Do not give the injured person anything to eat or drink, as an empty stomach is necessary if emergency surgery requiring general anesthesia is needed.
When and How to Seek Medical Treatment
All suspected arm fractures require immediate professional assessment. Calling emergency services (911 or the local equivalent) for an ambulance is necessary in several situations. For a closed fracture without severe complications, the person can be transported to an emergency room by car, provided the arm has been fully stabilized and remains immobile during the journey.
When to Call Emergency Services
Immediate emergency transport is required if the person is unconscious, has severe, uncontrolled bleeding, or if the bone is protruding through the skin. An ambulance should also be called if the person shows signs of shock, such as confusion or rapid, shallow breathing. Furthermore, call emergency services if the arm below the injury is numb, discolored, or cold, suggesting a compromise to blood flow or nerve function.
Hospital Treatment
Upon arrival, medical staff will stabilize the person and administer pain medication. Diagnosis is made using X-rays, which show the type and extent of the fracture. Treatment typically involves a closed reduction, where the bones are manually repositioned, followed by immobilization in a cast or splint for several weeks to allow healing. Complex injuries, such as a fracture with multiple pieces or significant displacement, may require surgery to install metal plates, screws, or pins to secure the bones.