Call 112 immediately for: Open fractures (bone visible), suspected spinal injury, fractures with severe bleeding, or loss of consciousness.
A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. You may not always tell by looking. The goal is to prevent the injury worsening, manage pain, and get the person to hospital safely.
Signs of a Possible Fracture
- Intense pain, especially when touched or moved
- Swelling and bruising developing quickly
- Visible deformity — limb looks out of shape
- Inability to move the area normally
- Crack or snap heard at time of injury
- Numbness or tingling below the injury
- Bone visible through skin (open fracture)
When in doubt, treat as a fracture. Immobilise it and get medical assessment.
Step-by-Step First Aid
What to do
1
Do not move the injury
Keep the injured area as still as possible.
2
Manage bleeding first if present
Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth. Do not press on exposed bone.
3
Immobilise the fracture
Support in the position you find it. Use a splint (rolled newspaper, piece of wood) padded with clothing. Secure above and below the fracture site, not over it.
4
Apply ice to reduce swelling
Wrap ice in cloth. Never place directly on skin.
5
Manage pain
Give paracetamol if conscious and not allergic. Do not give food or drink in case surgery is needed.
6
Transport carefully to hospital
For arm fractures, use a sling. For leg fractures, do not allow the person to walk.
Spinal Fracture — Most Important
After a fall from height, vehicle accident, or trauma with neck/back pain — do not move the person. Call 112. Movement can cause permanent paralysis.
What NOT to Do
- Do not try to straighten a deformed limb
- Do not push exposed bone back under the skin
- Do not allow walking on a suspected leg fracture
- Do not give food or drink
- Do not remove clothing unless necessary — cut it away instead
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for your specific situation. Last reviewed: October 2025. Read our full Medical Disclaimer.