Survival guides · First Aid & Health

Splint a Broken Bone

WHEN TO USE THISPain, swelling, a limb that looks wrong or won't move. Hold it still so it can't do more damage.

1. Look, don't fix

   • Signs: severe pain, swelling, bruising, a crooked limb, can't move it, grinding.
   • Don't straighten it. Don't push a bone back in.
   • Bone through the skin? Cover the wound with a clean dressing first.

2. Find something stiff

   • A board, stick, rolled magazine, umbrella — or a pillow wrapped around the limb.
   • Something to tie it: cloth strips, belts, shoelaces, duct tape.
   • Broken finger? Tape it to the next finger.

3. Splint it

   
   • Pad the splint with soft cloth.
   • Make it reach past the joint above AND below the break.
   • Tie it firm — not tight.
   • Fingers or toes turn blue, cold or numb? Loosen it.

4. Support and watch

   
   • Arm: support it in a sling — a shirt tail or belt works.
   • Cold pack wrapped in cloth: 20 minutes on, 20 off. Never ice on bare skin.
   • Raise the limb if it doesn't hurt more.
   • Watch for shock: pale, fast breathing, confused.
   • No food or drink — they may need surgery. Get them to care.

Sources: American Red Cross First Aid Guidelines · US Army FM 4-25.11 First Aid

General information to help in an emergency — not a substitute for training or professional care.