Action guide in the event of a suspected fracture until the arrival of help and EMS

In 2026, the field treatment protocol focuses on one simple principle: “minimum displacement, maximum stability”. Trying to be a hero and straighten a crooked leg can turn a moderate injury into a lifelong disability.

How do we identify a fracture?

Not every painful blow is a fracture, but in the absence of an x-ray, we should treat any suspected injury as a fracture (“suspected fracture”) until proven otherwise. Classic signs include:

The iron rules for the treatment of a closed fracture

A closed fracture is a condition where the bone is broken but the skin remains intact. Call 101 to the EMS, put it on speaker and give the location. Let the victim sit or lie down in the most comfortable position.

The goal is to prevent displacement of the broken limb. If you are not a qualified medic, do not attempt to build complex splints. The best fixation is fixation to the body itself or to a stable surface:

The nightmare: an open fracture

An open fracture is a medical emergency where the edge of the bone has broken through the skin and burst out. The danger here is twofold: severe bone infection and blood loss. This is what you need to do:

In any case of an emergency, call the MDA on 101, give exact address details, leave the operator on speakerphone and follow his instructions.