 A fracture is a crack or break in a bone.

Most fractures result from

force applied to a bone.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of a fracture vary according to which bone is affected, the
patient's age and general health, as well as the severity of the injury. However, they
often include some of the following:

 pain

 swelling

 bruising

 discolored skin around the affected area

 angulation - the affected area may be bent at an unusual angle

 the patient is unable to put weight on the injured area

 the patient cannot move the affected area

 the affected bone or joint may have a grating sensation

 if it is an open fracture, there may be bleeding

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A LARGE BONE IS AFFECTED

When a large bone is affected, such as the pelvis or femur:

 the sufferer may look pale and clammy

 there may be dizziness (feeling faint)

 feeling of sickness and nausea.

Note:

 If possible, do not move a person with a broken bone until a healthcare

professional is present and can assess the situation and, if required, apply a
splint. If the patient is in a dangerous place, such as in the middle of a busy
road, one sometimes has to act before the emergency services arrive.

HOW TO PREVENT FRACTURES

Indoors

 Keep rooms free of clutter.

 Eliminate wires and cords that run across the walking areas.

 Wear shoes, not just socks, in the house.

 Be sure each room is well lit.

 Use skid-free rugs throughout the house (if you must use rugs).
  Use a cane or walker if you need to.

 Make sure your vision is as good as it can be. Have an eye exam every year and
be sure to use your glasses or contacts.

 If your balance is poor, balance training and physical therapy are important.

Outdoors

 Use a cane or walker if you need to.

 Wear rubber-soled shoes.

 Put salt down on icy sidewalks, driveways, and steps.

 Use care at curbs.

 Pay attention to your surroundings.

 Leave a porch light or outside light on if you are returning after dark.

Drowning  means dying from not being able to breathe in air and breathing in water
or another liquid. Near drowning is the survival of drowning where the person
passes out or breathes in water, and can cause serious problems, including death,
after the event

Drowning prevention

 When supervising children around water, use “touch supervision,” which means
always remain in arm's reach of the child. Never leave your child alone or in the
care of another child in or around water. Know how to swim. ... Wear Coast
Guard-approved life jackets when swimming in the ocean.

 A swimming pool should be completely separate from the house and play area
of the yard.

 Alarms and pool covers should not be used as a substitute for a fence.

 When supervising children around water, use “touch supervision,” which means
always remain in arm’s reach of the child.

 Wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets when swimming in the ocean.

 Bring a phone to the pool, lake or beach in case of emergency.

 Provide swimming lessons when your child is ready to learn.

 Tools to Do It Right

 Rope

 Personal flotation device

 Help

FIRST AID FOR DROWNING

 1. Get Help

 Notify a lifeguard, if one is close. If not, ask someone to call 911.

 If you are alone, follow the steps below.

 2. Move the Person

 Take the person out of the water.

 3. Check for Breathing

 Place your ear next to the person's mouth and nose. Do you feel air on your
cheek? FIRST AID FOR DROWNING

 Look to see if the person's chest is moving.

 4. If the Person is Not Breathing, Check Pulse

 Check the person's pulse for 10 seconds.

 5. If There is No Pulse, Start CPR

 Carefully place person on back.

 For an adult or child, place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest at
the nipple line. You can also push with one hand on top of the other. For
an infant, place two fingers on the breastbone.

 For an adult or child, press down at least 2 inches. Make sure not to press on
ribs. For an infant, press down about 1 and 1/2 inches. Make sure not to press
on the end of the breastbone.

 Do chest compressions only, at the rate of 100-120 per minute or more. Let the
chest rise completely between pushes.

 Check to see if the person has started breathing.

 Note that these instructions are not meant to replace CPR training. Classes are
available through the American Red Cross, local hospitals, and other
organizations

6. Repeat if Person Is Still Not Breathing

 If you've been trained in CPR, you can now open the airway by tilting the head
back and lifting the chin.

 Pinch the nose of the victim closed. Take a normal breath, cover the
victim's mouth with yours to create an airtight seal, and then give 2 one-second
breaths as you watch for the chest to rise.

 Give 2 breaths followed by 30 chest compressions.

 Continue this cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until the person starts
breathing or emergency help arrives.