1. First Aid Essentials Slideshow Pictures
2. First Aid Bandaging Injuries Slideshow Pictures
3. First Aid Sprains & Strains Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Andrew P Baniukiewicz, MD

Medical Editor:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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The most important aspect of treating fractures is to determine which fractures can be treated with outpatient care, and which require admission to the hospital.

In most instances, the broken arm will be able to be treated in the emergency department.

• Most fractures will need to have a splint or partial cast applied to stabilize the broken bones. Some breaks especially in the upper arm and shoulder may only need to be immobilized in a sling.
• In addition to splinting the broken arm, the physician will prescribe medicines for pain control and ice to decrease swelling.
• Typically, wounds that warrant admission to the hospital are these:
• Bones that have gone through the skin or have lacerations over the broken area
• Fractures that are associated with nerve damage
• Fractures that are associated with blood vessel damage
• Complicated fractures that have multiple breaks, involve the joints, or are unable to be stabilized in the emergency department or doctor's office