PhysioMonkey

1 - Fractures

• Not always obvious in small bones.
• Main sign is pain.
• There will normally be large amounts of pain, immediate swelling, possible numbness and paralysis below the fracture (ie in the foot if it's the leg or the hand if it's the arm).  You may be able to see an obvious break.
• Some people think there is a difference between the words "break" and "fracture"; there is no distinction.
• Fractures may be "open" or "closed"; you'll be able to tell which it is - open fracture means that the skin has broken and there may be bone sticking out!
• If you suspect a fracture (or if you can clearly see one) then the victim needs IMMEDIATE hospital treatment.
• Do NOT give them food or drink, they may need surgery.
• Fractures are common but don't let that lull you into thinking that that means they are not medically serious.  A long bone fracture (leg or arm commonly) can cause major problems or even KILL via loss of blood, shock or fat embolism (fat from the bone or surrounding tissues getting into the blood vessels), open fractures are also a route in for infections.  Pelvic fractures seem to be some of the more nasty ones.  These need urgent attention.

2 - Dislocations

• Dislocation means that two bones have become detached.
• The affected joint will be immobilized by the muscles around it.
• It will hurt!
• Do NOT try and "pop it back in"!
• Do NOT give them food or drink, they may need surgery.
• Some people can regularly "pop" a joint.  This may not be full dislocation but it really is not recommended even if it is fun to see people's faces at partes!

3 - Cuts

• Easy to spot - there'll be blood.
• Where there is blood there is risk.
• Beware of other people's blood, they may not know and you may not know if they have HIV, hepatitis or one or more of many other nasties.
• Minor cuts should be cleaned and kept clean.
• More major cuts may need medical intervention.
• Rarely you might get a "gusher".  Firstly curse your luck, then their's.  Call for help IMMEDIATELY.  Pressure will help over the area but chances are you'll be out of your depth - I know I would be.  Get that ambulance sharpish!

4 - Shock

• Think of shock as the body shutting down to try and deal with a major problem.
• The signs are faintness, feeling cold, shivering, pallor (colour draining), clamminess and withdrawal.
• Keep them warm.
• Lie them down if possible.
• Don't give them food or drink (surgery may not be likely but their stomach probably won't be able to deal).
• Get help!

5 - Head and Neck Injury

• Potentially extremely dangerous.
• Serious risk of immediate and long-lasting damage.
• After a head injury check the eyes, look for uncontrolled eye movement, dizziness, double vision.
• Nausea and tiredness can be symptoms of something serious; vomitting more than once is also a serious sign - to the hospital asap.
• If there is anything like an epileptic seizure (in someone not known for epilepsy) then get to A&E (the ER) sharpish.
• Any clear fluids coming from the ears or nose?
• If the injury seemed minor and the person seems fine:  keep an eye on them, the signs noted here may be delayed.
• If there was any unconsciousness, however short, they need immediate medical attention EVEN if they come round and appear fine.  This can mask a potentially fatal condition!
• If someone has hit their head and is unconscious do NOT move them unless leaving them would expose them to grave risk (ie near a high power electricity line or whatever).  Paramedics use hard neck collars to protect people from neck dislocations which may cause permanent paralysis or be fatal so DON'T MOVE THEM WITHOUT ONE!!!
• If someone has hurt their neck and finds that they really can't move it then make sure you get an ambulance.  Don't make them try and move - they should be kept immobile (at the risk of paralysis or death)!
• If they are alert but are unable to feel their feet then keep your fingers crossed for them.  They won't be getting back on a trapeze any time soon.

6 - Burns

Now I'm no expert on burns so I'll refer you here for some apparently good advice given by someone who seems to know.

NB - I've just had a little more info that this isn't quite right re burns. Add these points:

• ANY burn that is NOT PAINFUL (and will often look white or leathery) is SERIOUS , no matter what size, needs medical attention, as it is a full thickness burn and may need plastic surgery input or at least follow up.
• For any significant burns, cling film is often the best dressing as it's non fluffy (ie doesn't stick to the wound) and prevents air currents hitting the burn which causes the most pain associated with the burn.

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One-off Injuries - Minor