What is the first aid for a leg fracture?

Answer 1

Remember that First Aid is all about stabilization and transport -- we aren't going to actually treat a leg fracture in the field. That said...

1. Check patient for airway, breathing, cardiac, bleeding, and determine if the fracture is compound.
2. If compound apply a dressing to the wound and control bleeding.
3. Splint the leg for immobility, taking care not to move the bone ends any more than is absolutely necessary.
4. When bones break (and especially the femur), they often release fat into the bloodstream, which in turn can cause some disorientation and panic -- be ready for this and restrain if necessary.
5. Treat for shock, elevate legs above the heart if it's easy, and transport.

If you're in the field and can't get transport, secure the patient to a litter (Stokes if you have one: fashion a travois from branches if you don't), and transport to the nearest help. Make sure you maintain the patient's body temp and hydration. Administer pain control if you have that capability. If you are in a place such as a mountain or a dessert (doing extreme sports), always ensure you have a means of communication and that you inform the right people before doing it your plans.

Reducing a compound fracture in the field is beyond the scope of this reply.

** In cases of femur fractures, the body may lose two pints of blood from your circulatory system and may send the victim into shock, in order to help the pain of a femur fracture, pull by the foot, it will initially hurt but the victim will be relieved that their bones are no longer crunching. Do not release this until emergency personnel come with a traction splint.

Answer 2

Apply a splint; for lower leg a fixed splint and upper leg a traction splint.