Elementary first aid, Fractures and dislocations

Although there are many different ways to treat fractures, it’s highly important to identify when one has actually occurred. Fractures can be stable or unstable. It is important to recognize the difference, as moving an unstable fracture can cause further injury.

First Aid is defined as the emergency treatment given to the ill or injured before more experienced medical personnel arrive.

This e-learning module is the tenth in a series of 13 modules. The modules are intended to refresh and reinforce the knowledge gained during the mandatory class room course on Elementary First Aid. IMO considers and recommends this refresher training to be an integral part of on-board training requirement for seafarers.

Learning objectives:

• Describe effective First Aid treatment of a fracture
• Identify the importance of maintaining the casualty’s circulation
• Outline how to stem bleeding from an open fracture
• Describe effective First Aid treatment of a dislocation
• Recognize how to immobilize a fractured bone