Fractures

Leg fractures often occur when a person slips and the foot, which is under the body, is twisted. If the person who has fallen uses their hand to catch themselves, the weight of their body can also cause a bone in their wrist or arm to break.

A fracture can be open or closed. In open fractures, the skin breaks and the bone may stick out. With closed fractures, there is a risk of internal bleeding.

Symptoms of a fracture

• Pain and swelling
• Abnormal mobility and position
• External bleeding with open fractures. In closed fractures, internal bleeding can cause swelling.
• In a femur fracture, the injured part of the body is shorter than the healthy part, is turned outwards and cannot be moved.

First aid for a fracture

If you have fallen and are in pain and cannot use your arm or put weight on your leg or foot, go to a health centre or emergency department immediately. Seek treatment at an emergency department if both of these are closed. You can call 1177 to get information about where your nearest care clinic is and medical advice from a registered nurse.  

• Call 112 if the fracture is open and the bone protrudes through the skin.
• If the fracture is open, stop any external bleeding.
• Keep the injured person warm.
• To reduce pain, keep the injured part of the body still. The person should try not to put weight on the injured leg or use the injured arm.
• Misalignments should not be corrected under any circumstances.
• If it is necessary to move the injured person, or if it takes a long time for help to arrive, you can use the other foot or hand to support the injured part of the body. It is also possible to use another temporary aid, such as a board or stick. In such cases, support should be provided on both sides of the fracture.
• If the casualty is not awake but breathing normally, place them in a stable position on their side so that they can breathe easily.
• If you suspect a spinal fracture, do not move the casualty unless it is necessary to save their life.