Broken and Dislocated Bones

If not treated by a professional, broken and dislocated bones may lead to even more serious injuries, like the loss of a limb or permanent deformity. Do not attempt to fix the bone yourself - the blood vessels around the bones are easily damaged and you could cause life-threatening bleeding. Instead, visit urgent care or ER right away.

Signs it might be serious - Call 911 right away if you notice any of these:

• Signs of shock.

• Bone poking through the skin.

• Extreme pain with touch or movement.

• The skin is starting to go numb or turn blue.

• You think you have broken a bone in the neck, head, or back.

• If you think the broken bone is in the neck, head, or back don’t move the person unless absolutely necessary. If they are in the middle of a road for example, carefully move them somewhere safe.

What to do while you wait for help:

• Stop any bleeding by applying pressure to the wound with a clean piece of clothing.

• Try not to move the bone - Never try to push the bone back into place.

• If possible wrap ice in a towel or piece of cloth and apply it to the area to help prevent swelling. Don't put the ice right on the skin.

If a serious injury occurs, the best thing you can do for yourself or a friend is call 911 - never hesitate to ask for help! A life might depend on it.

REMEMBER: Every phone, even without a payment plan, can call 911