How to Properly Assess a Broken Arm

We all know that with children there are bound to be 'boo boo's' . Not to mention your crazy cousin ,Timmy, who doesn't know when 'dangerous' is 'too dangerous'. Usually it's as easy as a little anti-bacterial soap, a band-aid and the occasional ice pack. But what if your child was to break an arm while playing at the park? Would you know what to do?

When assessing a broken arm there are a few things that you need to know. While it is usually not a life threatening injury, a broken arm can be very painful. It can also be hard to deal with when the patient is a loved one or a child.

First and foremost, do not splint any injuries and do not move the arm unless it is absolutely necessary. Next, determine what caused the broken arm. Did the patient trip and fall, or was it something more dangerous like a seizure or fainting and the broken arm was a result of a fall. Sometimes we forget look for more dangerous symptoms.

Once you determine what caused the broken arm, check to see how severe the injury is. Look to see if there is any bleeding or is there are any open fractures (bones sticking out). After determining the severity of the injury, check to see if there are any other obvious injuries.

Mean while, have the patient rest in the most comfortable position possible while you seek help. If you chose to take the patient to the hospital by car, then carefully load the patient in the car and take them to the nearest emergency facility. If it is a severe break, open fracture, bleeding, or if you just simply choose to call 9-1-1 then do so as soon as possible.

When the 9-1-1 dispatcher comes on the line they will ask information such as address, what happened and if there is any bleeding. While it may seem like a long time, just remember to answer all the questions to the best of your knowledge. The dispatcher will also tell you not to move the patient and not to splint any injuries, as doing so can make the injury worse. Follow all instructions given by the dispatcher and continue to wait until the ambulance or rescue arrives. They will then take over care of the patient and take them to the nearest emergency facility that can treat the injury. Very rarely will they have to by pass the nearest hospital to go to a more advanced level of treatment facility or fly the patient, although it is sometimes required. That too, does not necessary mean that it is life threatening. It just means that a higher level of care will be needed to treat the patient and get them back in good health.