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Online CPR/AED and First Aid Combo Course

Our CPR/AED and First Aid combo course includes Adult, Child and Infant CPR and First Aid training. The combo certification is valid for 2 years and includes a free mailed in wallet card.

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Chapter 23 : First Aid - Muscle, Bone and Joint Emergencies

 

Defined:

This emergency occurs when a muscle, bone or joint moves in a direction that it is not supposed to go. This movement can lead to broken bones, sprains, fractures and other injuries.

Causes:

  • Falling, tripping
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Running, walking, exercise
  • Sports, physical activity
  • Sudden impact

Signs and Symptoms:

  • Bruising and swelling
  • Bone fragment(s) sticking out
  • Coldness, numbness
  • Discoloration (blue)
  • Deformity
  • Inability to use the affected part normally
  • Pain
  • Snapping or popping sound at time of injury

Common Emergency Example(s):

Fracture / Broken Bone:

A fracture is a complete break, a chip or a crack in the bone. An open fracture involves an open wound, and is when a bone end tears through the skin. An open fracture is more dangerous and severe. However, a closed fracture is more common.

Wound Emergency

Dislocation:

A dislocation is the movement of a bone at a joint from its normal position. When the bone is moved out of place, the joint no longer functions. Usually, dislocations happen at the shoulder, elbow, wrist, jaw and hip.

Sprain / Strain:

A sprain is the tearing of the ligaments at a joint. Sprains mostly occur at the ankle, knee, wrist and fingers. A strain is the stretching and tearing of a muscle. They usually occur in the neck, back, thigh, or the back of the lower leg.

Use RICE method when dealing with a sprain or strain:

Wound Emergency

Rest:

Do not move or straighten the injury.

Immobilize:

Try to stabilize the person in the position he/she was found. Splint or sling the injured part only and use caution if moving the person.

Cold:

Indirectly cool the part using ice for up to 20 minutes.

Elevate:

Only elevate the part if it does not cause more pain.

First Aid Actions / Treatment:

  1. Assess the scene and check for your safety.
  2. Get a First Aid kit and wear personal protective equipment.
  3. Apply a clean dressing on any open wounds. Don’t move any body part that is deformed or bent (fractured).

  4. If person is experiencing:

    • Closed Fracture / Dislocation: keep injured area still; apply a light padding underneath injured area and apply a broad sling; tie the affected part with another limb of the body or another body part to keep it sturdy from movement
    • Sprain / Strain: place a cold pack or a plastic bag filled with water and ice on a towel and then on the injured area (up to 20 minutes); use RICE method detailed above
  5. Activate EMS (Call 9-1-1) if the open wound is large.
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Course: First Aid Course

Chapter 23 : First Aid - Muscle, Bone and Joint Emergencies

 

Defined:

This emergency occurs when a muscle, bone or joint moves in a direction that it is not supposed to go. This movement can lead to broken bones, sprains, fractures and other injuries.

Causes:

  • Falling, tripping
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Running, walking, exercise
  • Sports, physical activity
  • Sudden impact

Signs and Symptoms:

  • Bruising and swelling
  • Bone fragment(s) sticking out
  • Coldness, numbness
  • Discoloration (blue)
  • Deformity
  • Inability to use the affected part normally
  • Pain
  • Snapping or popping sound at time of injury

Common Emergency Example(s):

Fracture / Broken Bone:

A fracture is a complete break, a chip or a crack in the bone. An open fracture involves an open wound, and is when a bone end tears through the skin. An open fracture is more dangerous and severe. However, a closed fracture is more common.

Wound Emergency

Dislocation:

A dislocation is the movement of a bone at a joint from its normal position. When the bone is moved out of place, the joint no longer functions. Usually, dislocations happen at the shoulder, elbow, wrist, jaw and hip.

Sprain / Strain:

A sprain is the tearing of the ligaments at a joint. Sprains mostly occur at the ankle, knee, wrist and fingers. A strain is the stretching and tearing of a muscle. They usually occur in the neck, back, thigh, or the back of the lower leg.

Use RICE method when dealing with a sprain or strain:

Wound Emergency

Rest:

Do not move or straighten the injury.

Immobilize:

Try to stabilize the person in the position he/she was found. Splint or sling the injured part only and use caution if moving the person.

Cold:

Indirectly cool the part using ice for up to 20 minutes.

Elevate:

Only elevate the part if it does not cause more pain.

First Aid Actions / Treatment:

  1. Assess the scene and check for your safety.
  2. Get a First Aid kit and wear personal protective equipment.
  3. Apply a clean dressing on any open wounds. Don’t move any body part that is deformed or bent (fractured).

  4. If person is experiencing:

    • Closed Fracture / Dislocation: keep injured area still; apply a light padding underneath injured area and apply a broad sling; tie the affected part with another limb of the body or another body part to keep it sturdy from movement
    • Sprain / Strain: place a cold pack or a plastic bag filled with water and ice on a towel and then on the injured area (up to 20 minutes); use RICE method detailed above
  5. Activate EMS (Call 9-1-1) if the open wound is large.
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