Injuries

Broken Bone

Keep the injured area still and supported, do not try to straighten it, and get medical help — call 999 for serious or open fractures.

When to call 999. Call 999 for a suspected broken neck or back, a bone sticking through the skin (open fracture), heavy bleeding, a limb that looks blue or numb, a suspected broken hip or thigh, or if the person is badly hurt or unresponsive.

Written by Meds Global Health Clinical Team · Clinically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS, Founder & Clinical Director · Last reviewed · How we review

What to do

  1. Encourage the person to stay still and support the injured part in the position found, using your hands or padding.
  2. Do not try to move or straighten the injured limb.
  3. If there is bleeding, apply pressure around (not directly on) any protruding bone with a clean pad.
  4. Steady and support the injury — for an arm, a sling can help; for a leg, keep it still and supported.
  5. Apply something cold wrapped in a cloth to help with pain and swelling if it can be done without moving the injury.
  6. Get the person to hospital, or call 999 if it is serious, they cannot be moved safely, or a leg, hip, back or neck is affected.

Avoid

What not to do

Do not try to push a protruding bone back in or straighten the limb, do not give food or drink in case surgery is needed, and do not move someone with a suspected spinal injury unless they are in immediate danger.

Afterwards and while you wait

Keep the injured part supported and still while arranging transport. Watch the fingers or toes beyond the injury for colour, warmth and feeling, and get urgent help if they become pale, blue, cold or numb, as this suggests the blood supply is affected.

Education and reference only. This is general first-aid information aligned with UK guidance, not a substitute for a hands-on first-aid course or professional emergency care. In a life-threatening emergency, call 999 straight away.

Answers

Broken Bone: frequently asked questions

How can I tell if a bone is broken?

Signs include severe pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, or being unable to use or bear weight on the part. You cannot always be sure without an X-ray, so treat it as a possible break and get it checked.

Should I straighten a bent or deformed limb?

No. Support it in the position found. Trying to straighten it can worsen the injury and damage nearby nerves or blood vessels — leave that to medical professionals.

Related

Other injuries first aid

Burns and ScaldsCool a burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes, remove tight items before sw…Head InjuryFor a head injury, apply a cold compress to any bump, watch closely for warning signs, and…NosebleedFor a nosebleed, sit forward and pinch the soft part of the nose for 10–15 minutes, breath…Sprains and StrainsFor a sprain or strain, follow RICE — Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation — for the first…Cuts and GrazesFor a minor cut or graze, clean it under running water, apply pressure to stop bleeding, a…Eye InjuryFor something in the eye, rinse gently with clean water; for chemicals in the eye, rinse c…

Sources

Where this is drawn from

  • NHS — first aid
  • St John Ambulance / British Red Cross first-aid guidance
  • Resuscitation Council UK (where relevant)

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