Fracture of the forearm and wrist: Its first aid treatment
Radius and ulna, the bones of the forearm may be fractured across their shafts by a heavy blow. These fractures are often compound because the bones have little fleshy covering. The commonest fracture around the wrist is a Colles fracture, usually caused by fall on the outstretched hand. It produces fork deformity of the forearm and hand.
First Aid
- Place the forearm at right angles to the upper arm, and place it across the chest, the palm over the chest and the thumb facing upwards.
- Roll a magazine or folded newspaper around the forearm and hand.
- Apply one bandage above the fracture and the over wrist.
- Support the limb by a broad arm sling.
