How to Care for a Broken Arm

Broken arms, also known as fractures, require medical attention. Without treatment, you limit your mobility and risk ending up with deformed bones. Knowing what to do about a broken arm before going to the hospital can reduce pain and aid future healing. Follow these steps to provide first aid for a broken arm.

Instructions

• 1

  Diagnose a broken arm. A snapping or grinding noise usually means a broken arm, but this doesn't always occur. Easy to spot compound fractures show the bone separated and possibly protruding through the skin. Simple fractures are more difficult to see and may show no signs other than slight swelling, which is also present in sprains or bad bruising.

• 2

  Call 911 for emergency help if the bone has pierced the skin or the fingers are bluish. Other reasons to call for an ambulance include heavy bleeding and unconsciousness.

• 3

  Stop bleeding by pressing a clean cloth to the wound.

• 4

  Remove clothing from the arm. Taking a shirt off can increase pain in a broken arm, so use scissors to cut away the sleeve or shoulder.

• 5

  Apply ice to reduce swelling. Wrap the ice in a clean cloth, like a towel. Apply ice for no more than 15 minutes at a time.

• 6

  Immobilize the arm with a makeshift splint. A sheet or towel can hold an arm still and close to the body. Add something firm like a board or roll magazines around the arm to keep it from moving unnecessarily.

• 7

  Assess for shock. If the person feels faint, have him or her lie down with feet elevated. Wait before providing food or drink in case the patient needs surgery.