What should you do if you suspect a fracture?

When a fracture is suspected, the priority is to prevent any further injury and to immobilize the affected area. Immobilization helps to reduce pain and minimizes the risk of complications such as further damage to the bone or surrounding tissues and nerves. By stabilizing the fracture without attempting to realign the bone, you are ensuring that the fracture site is kept as still as possible, which is essential for effective healing and can prevent additional injury during transport to a medical facility.

The approach of immobilization typically involves using a splint, sling, or other supportive device that can maintain the position of the fracture. It's important to remember that trying to realign the bone can cause more damage and lead to complications, so intervention should be limited to stabilization.

Applying a bandage tightly may cause increased pressure, potentially compromising blood flow to the area. Likewise, massaging the area could exacerbate pain and further damage to the fracture or surrounding tissues, making it counterproductive. Thus, immobilization without realignment is the most appropriate action in this scenario.