Injuries to arms and legs are common and can range from sprains and soft tissue damage to broken bones and dislocations.
While some injuries, like a visibly deformed limb, are clearly serious, others—often mistaken for minor sprains—may also involve fractures. Here’s how to handle an injury and get the care you need.
Basic First Aid for Injured Limbs
- Limit Movement
- Minimise pain by keeping the limb still.
- Support it in a comfortable position—using cushions or soft materials helps.
- If splints or immobilisation devices are available, have someone trained apply them.
- Manage Bleeding
- For simple cuts, cover the wound with a clean dressing and apply firm pressure.
- If a bone is visible through the skin (open fracture), it requires urgent medical attention to avoid infection. Cover the area with sterile gauze or a clean cloth and apply pressure.
Where to Go for Treatment
If you’re injured while away from home, finding help can be challenging. Here’s how to locate the nearest emergency room:
- Ask your tour guide, holiday rep, or hotel reception.
- Contact your local embassy for advice.
- Call emergency services if the injury is severe, or if you’ve collapsed or hit your head.
For minor injuries, you may be able to get to a clinic or emergency department on your own. However, serious injuries may require an ambulance.
What happens in the Emergency Room?
In the ER, a doctor will:
- Ask about the injury and how it happened.
- Examine your injured limb.
- Take X-rays to assess the damage.
If a broken bone is found, they might:
- Realign the bone and apply a plaster cast.
- Refer you to an orthopaedic doctor for further treatment.
While many fractures heal well without surgery, some require operations. It’s usually safe to wait a few days for surgery unless it’s a severe case like:
- A bone protruding through the skin (open fracture).
- Blood supply to the limb being compromised.
Important: Never feel pressured to agree to an operation without fully understanding the injury and treatment plan.
How Check My X-ray can help
Check My X-Ray connects you with UK-based Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons who provide expert advice on your injury, no matter where you are in the world.
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