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First aid for a suspected fracture: what to do before reaching hospital
A few calm steps in the first minutes after a fall or accident can reduce pain and prevent further injury.
Mangalam Hospital · 16 Oct 2026 · 3 min read
Falls, road accidents and sports injuries can all cause fractures. Here is what to do while you arrange to reach the hospital.
Signs of a possible fracture
- Severe pain that gets worse with movement
- Swelling, bruising or a change in shape
- Inability to move the limb or put weight on it
What to do
- Keep the person calm and still
- Support the injured part in the position you found it
- Use a rolled newspaper, cardboard or a pillow as a temporary splint
- Apply an ice pack wrapped in cloth to reduce swelling
- Remove rings or bangles near the injury before swelling starts
What not to do
- Do not try to straighten the bone yourself
- Do not massage the injured area
- Do not give food or drink if surgery may be needed
Call for help immediately if
- Bone is visible through the skin
- There is heavy bleeding
- The injury is to the head, neck or back
Mangalam Hospital provides 24-hour emergency and fracture care. Call us and come straight in.
