1. If there is reason to think a bone may be broken try in all ways to prevent motion at point of fracture lest it be made compound.
2. Do not go hunting for symptoms of fracture (such as the false point of motion or the sound "crepitus") just to be sure.
3. The best treatment is to try to immobilize the part till the doctor comes.
Splints—Anything that is stiff and rigid may be used for splints. Shingles, boards, limbs of trees, umbrellas, heavy wire netting, etc. Flat splints are best, however. All splints should be padded, especially where they lie against a bony prominence, as for instance, the ankle or elbow joint.
If the patient is wearing heavy winter clothing this may form sufficient padding. If not, then other cloth, straw or leaves may be used. Cotton batting makes excellent padding but if this is not to be had quickly, other things can be made to do to pad the first rough splints which are applied until the patient can reach a doctor or the doctor arrives on the scene of the accident.
In applying splints remember they must extend beyond the next joint below and the next joint above, otherwise movement of the joint will cause movement of the broken part.
The splints are tied firmly in place with handkerchiefs, strips of cloth, or bandages, tied over splints, padding and limb. Do not tie tight enough to increase the pain, but just enough to hold the splints firmly. Do not tie directly over the break. There must be an inner and outer splint for both the arms and the legs.
2. (a) SERIOUS WOUNDS; (b) SERIOUS BLEEDING
Send for the doctor at once, and then stop the bleeding and keep as clean as possible till he arrives.
Dangers—1. In any wound with a break in the skin, there is the danger of infection or blood poisoning, as you have already learned.