Lower leg injury--first aid guide
Fractures of the shin bone, the splint bone
and tearing of the soft tissues.
Recognition
- Localized pain.
- Swelling, bruising and deformity of the leg.
- An open wound.
Priorities
- Immobilize the leg.
- Urgent transfer to hospital.
Steps in administering aid
- Put on gloves.
- Help the casualty to lie down and carefully steady and support the injured leg.
- If there is an open wound, gently expose it and treat bleeding.
- Apply padding to protect the wound.
- Call for help.
- Support the injured leg with your hands to prevent any further movement of the fracture site.
- Do this until the ambulance arrives.
- If the ambulance is delayed, support the injured leg by splinting it to the other leg. Bring the uninjured limb alongside the injured one and slide bandages under legs. Position bandages at the feet and ankles then the knees, add bandages above and below the fracture. Insert padding between the lower legs. Then tie the bandages firmly, knotting them on the uninjured side.
- For suspected fracture near ankle; place separate bandages above the ankles and around the feet, rather than one figure of eight.
