Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

8 Muscle, Bone and Joint Injuries

First Aid for Skull Fractures • During the scene assessment when you examine the MOI and as soon as you realize there may be a head injury, tell the patient not to move. • Activate 911 and get medical help. • Steady and support the head and neck in a neutral, in line position. • Treat life threats to airway, breathing, and circulation • Dress any area of depression or lumps or any wound with a suspected skull fracture using thick, soft and compressible dressings to pad and protect the wound. Do not put pressure over a suspected fracture site • Treat blood or fluid from the ear or nose with a thick and absorbent dressing loosely applied. Do not restrict the blood flow or try and stop it.

First Aid for Face and Jaw Fractures • During the scene assessment when you examine the MOI and as soon as you realize there may be a head injury, tell the patient not to move. • Activate 911 and get medical help. • Steady and support the head and neck in a neutral, in line position. • Caution the patient not to blow their nose. Position the patient so that the blood or fluid can drain out of the ear or nose ( See Chapter 7, Bleeding and Wound Care). • Give ongoing care until hand-off to medical personnel.

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