Sudden events can easily cause injuries – missing legs and broken arms, bruising and swelling, and broken vertebrae can all occur. Broken bones should be examined early. Fractured injuries should be moved with extreme care. If there is a more serious injury that needs urgent attention, don’t be in a hurry to first immobilize the injured bone. Immobilize the dressing before moving, and then complete treatment later. There are two types of fractures: external fractures and internal fractures. In external fractures the broken bone may pierce the skin and there may be a visible wound, a condition that can easily cause germ infection and make treatment more difficult. Before splinting, the broken bone is reset and the broken limb is set straight. This must be very painful. If the casualty is unconscious, this can be done directly. An internal fracture is a case where the broken bone does not pierce the skin or is exposed. The pain can be especially intense when the injured area is touched. The pain is unbearable and will be painful at first touch, even when slight pressure is applied externally. Swelling (internal bleeding into the tissues), followed by bruising or loss of blood color. Deformity: the limb is significantly shorter and can be felt as abnormal to touch or observation, especially when compared to a normal limb. Move the injured limb and the casualty will scream in pain. (Do not move the injured limb easily during examination either.) Compare the limbs that are symmetrical to each other. Alleviate the injury If there is hope for medical help, the injured limb can be simply immobilized and left for later specialist treatment. Otherwise, be proactive and seek ways to mitigate the condition and prevent the injured person from experiencing extremely painful muscle spasms. Compare this to the symmetrical other limb, where the broken bone is repositioned by traction and then immobilized and bandaged, which requires splinting, using various materials, such as branches, hedges, driftwood, folded newspapers, etc. Note: Separate the splint from the skin with clothing, otherwise the skin will be damaged. How to fix Fix Fix the whole severed limb. Lift the severed arm with a rope. For added stability, the injured limb may be tied with the symmetrical other limb in the absence of a splint. Fill the gap between the two limbs with padding to keep the injured limb in place. Tie tightly with soft, sturdy material above and below the amputated limb and between adjacent joints. All knots should be on the same side and a flat knot will facilitate wound inspection. Check the blood circulation of both limbs regularly. Suspension material Triangular bandages are ideal – fabric, belts, etc. can also be used in an emergency. You should not tie the wound directly with a ligature or allow the knot to press against the injured limb. Fractures below the elbow Use a suspensory band to suspend the injured arm over the shoulder. Secure with a padded splint from the elbow to the middle finger. Tying a knot below the elbow will stop slippage. Elevation of the arm can prevent severe swelling.