First Aid

First, make sure the injured person is out of the way of further harm.

• Emergency services should be called if there is serious bleeding or if there is reason to suspect multiple broken bones or other injuries.
• Do not try to move the broken arm. This can cause further damage to blood vessels, nerves, and soft tissues.
• If a broken bone sticks out from the skin (open fracture), do not try to push it back in.

Second, make sure the patient is stabilized.

• Check that the breathing is normal and the pulse is good.
• Bleeding can be slowed and swelling reduced by applying pressure and elevating the injured arm above the level of the person's heart.
• Avoid contaminating the area by lightly covering the site with a clean, dry cloth or bandage until medical help arrives.

Third, if medical help is not available, and the patient must be moved, immobilize the broken arm using a temporary splint and/or sling.

• Temporary Splints
  A temporary splint can be made using wood or rolled up magazines. The joint should be immobilized above and below the site of the injury. Each end of the splint should extend far beyond the injured region and fastened using cloth, belts, or tape. Avoid any constriction of the arm with the supporting strap.
• Slings
  A sling can stabilize the injury and support the splint. A broken arm sling can be as simple as a loop of cloth supported from the neck.

Fourth, take the injured person to a doctor or emergency room right away.

Nonsurgical Treatment

The doctor may need to move pieces of bone back into their correct positions (a process called reduction). Depending upon the severity of injury, the patient may or may not need anesthesia. Those with more serious fractures may require surgery.

With the broken bone back in place, the doctor immobilizes the arm (fracture bracing). Most patients are fitted with a cast or splint. The doctor tells the patient how long to wear the cast or splint and removes it at the right time.