Powered by: STOP THE BLEED® Kenya initiative & The QuickFix Learning Hub
A broken bone (fracture) is incredibly painful and can lead to permanent damage if the person is moved wrongly. Your goal isn’t to “fix” the bone – it’s to stop it from moving until the ambulance arrives.
Scene Safety: The “Don’t Touch” Rule
In a bad hit, sometimes the bone pokes through the skin. This is an open fracture.
- The Danger: Your hands have germs. If you touch that bone or try to “push it back in,” you could cause a deadly infection.
- What to do: If it’s bleeding, put a clean cloth around the bone to stop the soak, but never press on the bone itself. Use a plastic shopping bag as a glove if you don’t have medical ones.
QuickFix Tip: The “Kenyan Toolkit” Splint
A splint is just anything stiff that prevents a limb from bending. Here is how to use everyday items found in a typical Kenyan car:
1. The “Gazeti” or Magazine Method
Take a thick stack of AA Autonews or a Saturday newspaper. Wrap it tightly around the arm or leg. It acts like a temporary “cast.”
2. The Umbrella or Leso Technique
If it’s a leg injury, place a sturdy umbrella (closed) or a straight branch along the side of the leg. Use a Maasai shuka, a leso, or even a torn-up t-shirt to tie the umbrella to the leg.
3. The Golden Rule of Tying:
- Tie the cloth above the break and below the break.
- Never tie directly on top of the wound.
- Make sure it’s firm, but not so tight that the person’s pulse disappears.
Remember: “Splint them as they lie.” If the leg looks crooked or bent like a “V,” do not try to straighten it. You might cut an artery inside. Just wrap your splint around it exactly how you found it.
Learn the Skills
Don’t wait for an accident to happen to learn how to save a life. Get certified today!
- AA Roadside Assistance: Call 0709 933 000 or 0709 933 999.
- First Aid Tips & Training: Call The QuickFix Learning Hub at 0707 079 192.