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| Thursday, September 28, 2006 |
| SPORT & COMMON INJURY |
SPORT & COMMON INJURY
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea is an uneasiness of the stomach, which may or may not lead to vomiting.
These are symptoms of diseases rather than diseases themselves.
Cause
v Viral and bacterial infections like colds and flu’s ,
v Food poisoning ,Over eating and indigestion,
v Certain smells and odors,
v Intense pain, High fever, Emotional stress (like fear or excitement), Motion sickness , seasickness, and dizziness, Exposure to toxins (poisons, chemicals) ,
v Blocked intestine (rather uncommon, and usually found in early infancy), Appendicitis,
v Head injuries, like, concussions, migraines, brain injury etc
Sign & Symptoms
v If it occurs right after a meal : indigestion, an ulcer, or a mental disorder (such as bulimia)
v One to eight hours after a meal : indicate food poisoning. Diseases like salmonella may take several days before any nausea is felt.
Treatment
v In many cases both nausea and vomiting can be controlled to some degree.
v If feeling nauseous
v Try and control or stop the feelings.
v Drink clear or cold drinks
v Eat light simple foods, like saltine crackers, which don’t have a strong taste or odor. Avoid sweet, greasy, and fried foods. Do not mix hot and cold foods.
v Drink beverages slowly and take small sips
v Do not brush your teeth right after eating
If you already feel nauseous and want to avoid the unpleasantness of vomiting
v Drink small amounts of sweet clear cool liquids, like ginger ale, fruit juice. (Avoid citrus as they are too acidic), Sweet liquids are good for calming the stomach.
v Eating cool sweet things like Popsicles but not too many as the condition may worsen.
If you do get sick
v In most cases vomiting is harmless, but sometimes it can indicate or even cause problems
v lookout for signs of dehydration, especially with children.
- Dry lips or mouth - Increased thirst
- Decreased urination - Sunken eyes
v Rapid breathing or pulse
v Consult doctor if:
v Vomiting goes on for longer than one day (or if they are very young and it continues for a few hours)
v There is blood in the vomit.
v If the vomiting is occurring because of a known injury, like head trauma
v The person acts confused, lazy or lethargic, and is less alert than usual.
v They have a fever of over 102 Fahrenheit
v Vomiting, diarrhea, severe abdominal pain are present
Fainting
When there isn’t enough blood flowing to the brain. The unconscious spell is usually brief
Cause
- Emotional and/or physical shock - Dehydration
- Pain - Overexertion
- Heart diseases - Sudden changes in body position
- Insufficient fluid and food intake.
First Aid Treatment
v If a person feels faint/weak/lightheaded/dizzy/nauseous),
v Have them lie down on their back with their feet elevated above the level of their heart (about 8-12 inches), or have them sit with their head placed down between their knees.
v Loosen any tight clothing and jewelry especially around their head and neck.
v Check airway and breathing whether normal or not.
v If breathing stops then the situation becomes more serious and you should try to get medical help as soon as possible.
v Do not try to give the person anything to eat or drink
Caution
v If victim vomit, turn the person onto their side.
v If suspect a head, neck, or spinal injury get medical help as soon as possible and do not move the person unless absolutely necessary.
v If the person does not regain consciousness within 2 minutes call 911 or get other emergency medical help.
v If the person is older (over 40) contacting a doctor or calling 911 may be in order to make sure it was not a heart related problem.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is similar to, and often follows, dehydration.
It is a form of volume shock, i.e, the lack of fluid causes the blood vessels, especially in your arms and legs, to constrict. However this is a non-life threatening illness.
Exhaustion is a greater loss of electrolytes whereas
Dehydration is a greater loss in fluids.
Cause
exposure to hot weather / or drop in body fluid levels .
Symptoms
- Sweating - Increased pulse and respiration
- Pale and clammy skin - Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting - Slightly lowered or elevated temperature
- Exhaustion - Lightheadedness and dizziness
- Possible heat cramps - Feeling thirsty
Treatment:
v Give sports drink or oral dehydrations solution (ORS). Drink fluid slowly, as the body will absorb it better.
v Take a good long rest before continuing activities; if symptoms seem severe, seek a medical professional.
v If the person is suffering from heat cramps a slightly salty drink (sports drink or ORS) and stretching the muscle should ease them.
v If it return discontinue the activity you are doing for the rest of the day.
v If heat exhaustion is not properly treated, it may become Heat Stroke, which is deadly.
v If the person’s temperature goes above 103° then treat them for heat stroke!
Dehydration
Cause
v Exposure to hot weather / or drop in body fluid levels.
Symptoms :
Early or mild dehydration: Moderate to severe dehydration:
Extreme thirst Fainting
Flushed face Convulsions
Dry, warm skin Low blood pressure
Weakness Less sweating
Headache Severe arm, leg, stomach, and back cramps
Dry mouth with thick saliva Bloated stomach
Decreased coordination Sunken ‘dry’ eyes
Fatigue Lack of skin elasticity
Smaller appetite Very few tears (when crying)
Impaired judgement Dizziness that worsens as you stand and move
Small amounts of dark yellow urine
Treatment :
v Give the victim more liquids than usual, but in small doses, (Water, sports drinks, and oral dehydration solutions (ORS)
v The drinks should be sipped slowly. Chilling the liquids can help, as it can prevent internal body temps from becoming to high and progressing to heat stroke.
v Rest victim in the shade and should not resume activities until urination becomes normal (pale yellow and clear), and the other symptoms of dehydration disappear.
v In cases of severe dehydration, get the person to an emergency room, as untreated dehydration can lead to death.
v If a person who is severely dehydrated can drink, they should still be given the ORS and water.
Blisters
Blister happen when the skin outer layer separate from the inner layer dan body fluid gather in or between the skin due to repeated rubbing and friction. Blisters will also form more easily on skin that is warm and moist.
First Aid Treatment
v Clean the surrounding blister with antiseptic liquid or medicated soap.
v Press the blister slowly with pad or tissue paper to help body absorbed back the fluid.
v Bandage with plaster with padding big enough to cover the whole blister area .
v If the blister is too big, avoid from puncture or break the skin.
v If the blister tear, clean the area with antiseptic cream/solution. Donot remove the loose skin
v Use plaster or bandage to cover the affected.
Caution
v Avoid products containing Neomycin, which is known to cause allergic reactions
v Infected blisters : Pus draining from the blister , red or warm skin around the blister or Red streaks leading away from the blister.
v Treatment : Go to a doctor to receive the proper treatment.
Nosebleeds
Drying out of the capillary membranes that cause nosebleeds.
First Aid Treatment
v In most cases the common nosebleed is fairly easy to stop, and no medical help is needed
Stopping the common nosebleed:
v Using a clean cloth, tissue or sterile gauze, pinch the nose together at the nostrils and firmly apply pressure towards the face.
v Holds like this for at least 8 minutes, or until the nose stops bleeding.
v Have the person lean forward slightly or sit up straight.
v Do not let the person lean back, or blood may flow into the windpipe.
v Keep the head above the heart, or in other words, don’t let the person lie down. If they must lie down try to keep their head elevated at a 45 degree angle.
v Apply crushed ice in a bag or cloth to nose and cheeks. Make sure the ice is in a bag or cloth because direct application may cause frostbite to skin.
To prevent the nose from bleeding again :
v Rest with your head elevated at a 30- 45 degree angle, or keep your head higher than your heart
v Avoid medications, which will thin the blood (such as aspirin).
v Try not to sneeze. If must sneeze, open your mouth to allow the air another way to escape to avoid upsetting the nose.
v No straining, heavy lifting/pulling/pushing.
v Try to keep to a “cool diet” for 24 hours. Avoid hot liquids.
Minor Burns
First-degree burn The least serious burns are those in which only the outer layer of skin (epidermis) is burned. The skin is usually red, with swelling and pain sometimes present. The outer layer of skin hasn't been burned through. Treat a first-degree burn as a minor burn unless it involves substantial portions of the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or a major joint.
Second-degree burn When the first layer of skin has been burned through and the second layer of skin (dermis) also is burned, the injury is termed a second-degree burn. Blisters develop and the skin takes on an intensely reddened, splotchy appearance. Second-degree burns produce severe pain and swelling.
If the second-degree burn is no larger than 2 to 3 inches in diameter, treat it as a minor burn. If the burned area is larger or if the burn is on the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or over a major joint, get medical help immediately.
Treatment For minor burns,
including second-degree burns limited to an area no larger than 2 to 3 inches in diameter, take the following action:
Cool the burn. Hold the burned area under cold running water for at least 5 minutes, or until the pain subsides. If this is impractical, immerse the burn in cold water or cool it with cold compresses. Cooling the burn reduces swelling by conducting heat away from the skin. Don't put ice on the burn.
Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. Don't use fluffy cotton, which may irritate the skin. Wrap the gauze loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the burned skin, reduces pain and protects blistered skin.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Never give aspirin to children or teenagers.
Minor burns usually heal without further treatment. They may heal with pigment changes, meaning the healed area may be a different color from the surrounding skin. Watch for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, fever, swelling or oozing. If infection develops, seek medical help. Avoid re-injuring or tanning if the burns are less than a year old — doing so may cause more extensive pigmentation changes. Use sunscreen on the area for at least a year.
Caution:
Don't use ice. Putting ice directly on a burn can cause frostbite, further damaging your skin.
Don't break blisters. Broken blisters are vulnerable to infection.
Sunburn
Signs and symptoms of sunburn usually appear within a few hours of exposure, bringing pain, redness, swelling and occasional blistering. Because exposure often affects a large area of your skin, sunburn can cause headache, fever and fatigue.
Treatment for sunburn:
Take a cool bath or shower.
Apply an aloe vera lotion several times a day.
Leave blisters intact to speed healing and avoid infection.
If needed, take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Don't give children or teenagers aspirin. It may cause Reye's syndrome, a rare, but potentially fatal, disease.
If your sunburn begins to blister or if you experience immediate complications, such as rash, itching or fever, see doctor.
Eye emergencies
Eye emergencies include cuts, scratches, objects in the eye, burns, chemical exposure, and blunt injuries to the eye.
Since the eye is easily damaged, any of these conditions can lead to vision loss if left untreated.
Occasionally, serious damage to the eye itself occurs from the pressure of the swollen tissue. Bleeding inside the eye can reduce vision, cause glaucoma, or damage the cornea.
Causes:
Head injury
Foreign object in the eye
Chemical injury
Blow to the eye (direct trauma)
Eyelid and eye cuts
Corneal abrasion
Symptoms:
Eye pain
Loss of vision
Decreased vision
Double vision
Redness -- bloodshot appearance
Sensitivity to light
Bleeding
Bruising
Cuts or wounds
Headache
Itchy eyes
Pupils of unequal size
Stinging and burning
Sensation of something in the eye
Treatment
Take prompt action and follow the steps below :
i. SMALL OBJECT ON THE EYE OR EYELID
The eye will often clear itself of tiny objects, like eyelashes and sand, through blinking and tearing. If not, take these steps:
Tell the person not to rub the eye. Wash your hands before examining it.
Examine the eye in a well-lighted area. To find the object, have the person look up and down, then side to side.
If you can't find the object, grasp the lower eyelid and gently pull down on it to look under the lower eyelid. To look under the upper lid, you can place a cotton-tipped swab on the outside of the upper lid and gently flip the lid over the cotton swab.
If the object is on an eyelid, try to gently flush it out with water. If that does not work, try touching a second cotton-tipped swab to the object to remove it.
If the object is on the eye, try gently rinsing the eye with water. It may help to use an eye dropper positioned above the outer corner of the eye. DO NOT touch the eye itself with the cotton swab.
A scratchy feeling or other minor discomfort may continue after removing eyelashes and other tiny objects. This will go away within a day or two. If the person continues to have discomfort or blurred vision, get medical help.
ii. OBJECT STUCK OR EMBEDDED IN EYE
Leave the object in place. DO NOT try to remove the object. DO NOT touch it or apply any pressure to it.
Calm and reassure the person.
Wash your hands.
Bandage both eyes. If the object is large, place a paper cup or cone over the injured eye and tape it in place. Cover the uninjured eye with gauze or a clean cloth. If the object is small, cover both eyes with a clean cloth or sterile dressing. Even if only one eye is affected, covering both eyes will help prevent eye movement.
Get medical help immediately.
iii. CHEMICALS IN THE EYE
Flush with cool tap water immediately.
Turn the person's head so the injured eye is down and to the side. Holding the eyelid open, allow running water from the faucet to flush the eye for 15 minutes.
If both eyes are affected, or if the chemicals are also on other parts of the body, have the victim take a shower.
If the person is wearing contact lenses and the lenses did not flush out from the running water, have the person try to remove the contacts AFTER the flushing procedure.
Cover both eyes (even if only one eye is affected) with a clean dressing, and avoid any rubbing of the eyes. Even if only one eye is affected, covering both eyes will help prevent eye movement.
After following the above instructions, seek medical help immediately.
iv. EYE CUTS, SCRATCHES, OR BLOWS
If the eyeball has been injured, get medical help immediately.
Gently apply cold compresses to reduce swelling and help stop any bleeding. DO NOT apply pressure to control bleeding.
If blood is pooling in the eye, cover both of the person's eyes with a clean cloth or sterile dressing, and get medical help.
v. EYELID CUTS
Carefully wash the eye. Apply a thick layer of bacitracin or mupirocin ointment on the eyelid. Place a patch over the eye. Seek medical help immediately.
If the cut is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean, dry cloth until the bleeding subsides.
Rinse with water, cover with a clean dressing, and place a cold compress on the dressing to reduce pain and swelling.
Do Not:
DO NOT press or rub an injured eye.
DO NOT remove contact lenses unless rapid swelling is occurring, there is a chemical injury and the contacts did not come out with the water flush, or you cannot get prompt medical help.
DO NOT attempt to remove a foreign body that appears to be embedded in any part of the eye. Get medical help immediately.
DO NOT use cotton swabs, tweezers, or anything else on the eye itself. Cotton swabs should only be used on the eyelid.
DO NOT attempt to remove an embedded object.
Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:
There appears to be any visible scratch, cut, or penetration of your eyeball.
Any chemical gets into your eye.
The eye is painful and red.
Nausea accompanies the eye pain.
You have any trouble seeing (such as blurry vision).
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posted at 10:37 AM   |
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| Tuesday, September 26, 2006 |
| FRACTURES & DISLOCATIONS. |
FRACTURES & DISLOCATIONS.
Fractures & Dislocations.
There are different kinds of broken bones.
Simple or closed fractures:
v The broken bone is not visible through the skin nor is there a skin wound near the fracture site. An example of this is a greenstick fracture. It is called this because the x-ray shows a barely visible fracture and it resembles the pattern of a very young splintered twig.
Compound or open fracture:
v A bone may separate partially or completely from the other half and a skin wound is also present. The bone can protrude through the skin or the skin has been cut due to the injury.
Bones can break in more than one place.
Bones in children are more pliable and may resist breakage more than bones in adults.
Broken bones need treatment right away.
They may cause future deformities and limited movement if not properly cared for. They are also very painful.
Type of Fractures & Dislocations
1. Hip fracture:
v Hip fractures are most common in elderly women and usually are caused by simple falls. Hip fractures also occur in motor vehicle accidents and other sudden deceleration incidents.
v Blood loss can be moderate to severe. The affected extremity may appear to be shorter than the other extremity. Discoloration and swelling may be present over the fracture site.
v A hip fracture is a serious injury that must be evaluated by an orthopedist.
2. Humerus fracture:
v The humerus is the longest and strongest bone in the upper extremity, and substantial force is required to fracture it; blood loss can be heavy. Neurovascular compromise may develop. This is a serious injury that requires evaluation by an orthopedist.
3. Wrist fracture:
v Wrist fractures often occur when persons fall on their outstretched hands or when they throw up their hands to protect themselves against hitting the interior of the vehicle in a motor vehicle accident.
4. Ankle fracture:
v The bones of the lower legs often are fractured in sports accidents, motor vehicle accidents, and falls.
v If the injury was caused by rapid vertical deceleration (a fall), suspect spinal and heel injuries as well, because the energy would have been directed up the body on impact.
v Obvious deformity may be present, or the only indication of trauma may be swelling and pain.
5. Dislocations:
v Any dislocation of a joint can be serious.
v Disruption of the blood supply and nerves in the area can result in loss of the limb or permanent disability. Even if the dislocated joint slips back into place, the patient still must be evaluated by an orthopedist.
v Hip dislocation.
A hip dislocation is a serious orthopedic emergency.
The blood supply to the head or top of the hip may be impaired, causing necrosis and necessitating replacement with an artificial joint in the future. Pressure on the sciatic nerve can result in permanent disability.
Hip dislocation often occurs in motor vehicle accidents when a person's knees strike the dashboard, and the energy then is directed back to the hips. Pain is often severe, and the leg may rest in an abnormal position.
6. Knee dislocation.
v When the bones forming the knee are dislocated or fractured, serious injury to the popliteal artery may occur. Therefore, arteriograms are obtained in the hospital whenever a patient has a dislocated knee.
v Serious knee injuries may necessitate amputation of the leg; consequently, knee dislocation is an orthopedic emergency.
7. Impalement:
v Penetrating trauma may result in foreign bodies or objects impaling bones, muscles, or tendons. Disability or loss of the extremity may occur.
8. Lacerations:
v Although simple lacerations often heal with only simple suturing, lacerations that penetrate the tendons and ligaments in the hands and feet can result in permanent disability if not thoroughly irrigated and repaired.
9. Traumatic Amputations:
v Often sustained in industrial and recreation accidents, traumatic amputations are serious emergencies. Depending on the circumstances, the amputated parts can sometimes be replanted, so the parts should always accompany the patient to the hospital.
v Blood loss may be significant, and some disability and disfigurement are to be expected.
10. Sprain:
v Tearing of a ligament that connects one bone to the other commonly is due to twisting forces and results in a sprain. Although sprains are not usually serious, the patient should be evaluated by a physician.
11. Strain:
v Overstretching or overexerting a muscle, as in sports activities, can cause a strain of that muscle, which is associated with pain. The strain is generally in the area of the tendon, where the muscle attaches to the bone.
TREATMENTS
v Don’t put ice directly on the injured area without cover
v Don’t elevate the injured part if there’re any symptoms of internal bleeding
v If the site of injury is bleeding then treat the wounds and cuts accordingly, but do not try to reset/reshape the bone or joint.
v Also look for signs of shock.
v If the joint or bone needs to be repositioned, do not give the person anything to eat or drink as it will put off medical treatment.
v If there is bleeding do not give aspirin because aspirin is a mild blood thinner and will delay clotting.
Strain Sign & Symptoms
Sudden pain on the injured area
Can cause cramp or immobility
Swollen on the affected area.
Sprain Sign &; Symptoms
Pain on the injured joint
Pain increased when joint were move
Swollen and bruise
Inability to move and bear weight
Any discoloration ( bluish, reddish)
Dislocate happen when the bone and joint are overstressed, contact sports, rheumatoid arthritis, sudden jerking of arm or hand of a small child..
Sign & Symptoms
The injured area look abnormal
Injured body part cannot be moved or painful when moved
Swollen and bruise
A misshapen appearance
Inability to move and bear weight
1. First Aid Treatment for Strain, Sprain and Dislocation
if possible make a splint to help immobilize the affected area.
Do not try to reposition the bone/joint while making the splint.
Apply the RICE method
v Rest : Avoid movement of the injured area and avoid participation in activities that can to re-injure until after the wound had had plenty of time to heal.
v Ice :Use ice to minimize swelling. If no ice is available, a bag of frozen veggies is a good substitute.
v Compression : an elastic or fabric bandage may help decrease swelling and ease the pain. Make sure the bandage is not wrapped to tightly.
v Elevation : If possible raise the injured limb up above the heart. Support the elevated limb in a sling or under a pillow or folded blanket.
v Get help if needed
Muscle Cramps
Discomforts on the body muscle.
Sign &; Symptoms:
v A sharp sudden painful spasm, or tightening of a muscle, (especially common in the legs).
v Muscle hardness
v Twitching of the muscle
v Persistent cramping pains in lower abdominal muscles
v Muscle contracts with great intensity and stays contracted, refusing to stretch out again.
Causes
v Imbalances in certain minerals, body fluids, hormones, and chemicals
v Malfunctions in the nervous system
v Excessive physical activity and hormonal imbalances causes heavy sweating.
First Aid Treatment
v Try to stretch the muscle and massage out the cramp using medicated ointment.
v Muscle cramps can also be caused by a lack of potassium and vitamin E, so eating something like bananas or pineapple can help to replenish the minerals you’ve lost.
Caution
v If suffer from frequent or severe cramps, see doctor especially if severe cramps in chest, shoulders, or arms which, can be symptoms of a heart attack; call immediately for medical help.
v Muscle cramp lasts more than an hour.
v Cramp is in your chest or arms.
2. Fracture Treatment: Immobilization
Defination
Immobilization refers to the process of immobilizing or fixating the position of a joint, bone, extremity, or torso with a splint, cast, or brace.
Purposes of Immobilizing Fractures
To prevent the sharp edges of the bone from moving and cutting tissue, muscle, blood vessels, and nerves. This reduces pain and helps prevent or control shock.
In a closed fracture immobilization keeps bone fragments from causing an open wound and prevents contamination and possible infection.
Purpose
To support and protect broken bones, dislocated joints, and injured soft tissue, such as tendons and ligaments. It can help reduce pain, swelling, and muscle spasms and to prevent an injured area from moving while it heals.
Method of Immobilization
§ Slings.
o A sling is a bandage or a piece of cloth, a belt and so forth suspended from the neck to support an upper extremity. It may be improvised by using the tail of a coat or shirt, and pieces torn from such items as clothing and blankets. The casualty's hand should be higher than his elbow, and the sling should be applied so that the supporting pressure is on the uninjured side.
§ Bandages.
o Bandages may be improvised from belts, rifle slings, bandoliers, kerchiefs, or strips torn from clothing or blankets. Narrow materials such as wire or cord should not be used to secure a splint in place.
§ Splints.
o Improvised from items such as boards, poles, sticks, tree limbs, rolled magazines, rolled newspapers, or cardboard.
o If nothing is available for a splint, the chest wall can be used to immobilize a fractured arm and the uninjured leg can be used to immobilize (to some extent) the fractured leg.
§ Padding.
o Padding may be improvised from such items as a jacket, blanket, poncho, shelter half, or leafy vegetation.
Basic Splinting Principle : immobilize the joints above and below any fracture.
>>figure
Fractures & Dislocations.
>>figure
Procedures for Splinting Suspected Fractures
v Gather whatever splinting materials are available such as splints, like wooden boards, branches, or poles. Other splinting materials include padding, improvised cravats, and/or bandages. Ensure that splints are long enough to immobilize the joint above and below the suspected fracture.
v If possible, use at least four ties (two above and two below the fracture) to secure the splints. The ties should be nonslip knots and should be tied away from the body on the splint.
Evaluate the victim.
v Be prepared to perform any necessary lifesaving measures that include clearing the airway, rescue breathing, preventing shock, and/or bleeding control.
WARNING
v Unless there is immediate life-threatening danger, such as a fire or an explosion, DO NOT move the casualty with a suspected back or neck injury. Improper movement may cause permanent paralysis or death.
v In a chemical environment, DO NOT remove any protective clothing. Apply the dressing/splint over the clothing.
Locate the Site of the Suspected Fracture.
v Ask the casualty for the location of the injury. Does he have any pain? Where is it tender? Can he move the extremity? Look for an unnatural position of the extremity. Look for a bone sticking out (protruding).
Prepare the Casualty for Splinting the Suspected Fracture .
v Reassure the casualty.
v Loosen any tight or binding clothing.
v Remove all the jewelry from the casualty and place it in the casualty's pocket. Tell the casualty you are doing this because if the jewelry is not removed at this time and swelling occurs later, further bodily injury can occur.
NOTE: Boots/shoes should not be removed from the casualty unless they are needed to stabilize a neck injury, or there is actual bleeding from the foot.
Gather Splinting Materials
v If standard splinting materials (splints, padding, cravats, and so forth) are not available, gather improvised materials like wooden boards, tree branches, poles, rolled newspapers or magazines.
v Splints should be long enough to reach beyond the joints above and below the suspected fracture site.
v Improvised padding, such as a jacket blanket, poncho, shelter half, or leafy vegetation may be used.
v A cravat can be improvised from a piece of cloth, a large bandage, a shirt, or a towel or parts of the casualty's body may be used. For example, the chest wall may be used to immobilize an arm; and the uninjured leg may be used to immobilize the injured leg.
v If splinting material is not available and suspected fracture CANNOT be splinted, then swathes, or a combination of swathes and slings can be used to immobilize an extremity.
Pad the Splints
v Pad the splints where they touch any bony part of the body, such as the elbow, wrist, knee, ankle, crotch, or armpit. Padding prevents excessive pressure to the area.
Check the Circulation Below the Site of the Injury
v Note any pale, white, or bluish-gray color of the skin which may indicate impaired circulation.
v Circulation can also be checked by depressing the toe/fingernail beds and observing how quickly the color returns. A slower return of pink color to the injured side when compared with the uninjured side indicates a problem with circulation. Depressing the toe/fingernail beds is a method to use to check the circulation in a dark-skinned casualty.
v Check the temperature of the injured extremity. Use your hand to compare the temperature of the injured side with the uninjured side of the body. The body area below the injury may be colder to the touch indicating poor circulation.
v Question the casualty about the presence of numbness, tightness, cold, or tingling sensations.
Casualties with fractures to the extremities may show impaired circulation, such as numbness, tingling, cold and/or pale to blue skin. These casualties should be evacuated by medical personnel and treated as soon as possible. Prompt medical treatment may prevent possible loss of the limb.
WARNING
If it is an open fracture (skin is broken; bone(s) may be sticking out),
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PUSH BONE(S) BACK UNDER THE SKIN.
Apply the Splint in Place
i. Splint the fracture(s) in the position found. DO NOT attempt to reposition or straighten the injury:-
v If it is an open fracture, stop the bleeding and protect the wound. Cover all wounds with field dressings before applying a splint.
v If bones are protruding (sticking out), DO NOT attempt to push them back under the skin. Apply dressings to protect the area.
ii. Place one splint on each side of the arm or leg. Make sure that the splints reach, if possible, beyond the joints above and below the fracture.
iii. Tie the splints. Secure each splint in place above and below the fracture site with improvised (or actual) cravats. Improvised cravats, such as strips of cloth, belts, or whatever else you have, may be used. With minimal motion to the injured areas, place and tie the splints with the bandages.
v Push cravats through and under the natural body curvatures (spaces), and then gently position improvised cravats and tie in place.
v Use nonslip knots. Tie all knots on the splint away from the casualty (Figure 4-2). DO NOT tie cravats directly over suspected fracture/dislocation site.
Check the Splint for Tightness
v Check to be sure that bandages are tight enough to securely hold splinting materials in place, but not so tight that circulation is impaired.
v Recheck the circulation after application of the splint. Check the skin color and temperature. This is to ensure that the bandages holding the splint in place have not been tied too tightly. A finger tip check can be made by inserting the tip of the finger between the wrapped tails and the skin.
v Make any adjustment without allowing the splint to become ineffective.
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| posted at 2:42 PM |
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