A passenger fell in the lavatory and appears to have a broken arm. How should you treat the injury?

A passenger fell in the lavatory and appears to have a broken arm. How should you treat the injury?

• A. Apply direct pressure to stop bleeding
• B. Ignore and continue flight
• C. Move the passenger to the cockpit
• D. Splint and sling

Answer: (D)

When a fracture is suspected, the priority is to stop movement of the affected limb to prevent further injury and reduce pain. Immobilize the arm with a splint that runs from the hand to just above the elbow (or higher, if possible) so the entire length of the injured area is supported. Secure the splint with available materials (strap, bandage, clothing) without pinching or cutting off circulation. Then place a sling to support and hold the forearm against the chest, keeping the elbow slightly bent. This combination minimizes movement at the elbow and shoulder, which helps protect the broken bone ends and reduces pain. Avoid moving the limb unnecessarily or trying to straighten the arm, and do not apply direct pressure on the fracture site. If there’s any bleeding, address it with gentle direct pressure around the wound as needed, but never press on the broken bone itself. After splinting, check basic circulation to the fingers (color, warmth, sensation, and movement) and monitor the passenger for worsening symptoms or signs of shock.

When a fracture is suspected, the priority is to stop movement of the affected limb to prevent further injury and reduce pain. Immobilize the arm with a splint that runs from the hand to just above the elbow (or higher, if possible) so the entire length of the injured area is supported. Secure the splint with available materials (strap, bandage, clothing) without pinching or cutting off circulation. Then place a sling to support and hold the forearm against the chest, keeping the elbow slightly bent. This combination minimizes movement at the elbow and shoulder, which helps protect the broken bone ends and reduces pain.

Avoid moving the limb unnecessarily or trying to straighten the arm, and do not apply direct pressure on the fracture site. If there’s any bleeding, address it with gentle direct pressure around the wound as needed, but never press on the broken bone itself. After splinting, check basic circulation to the fingers (color, warmth, sensation, and movement) and monitor the passenger for worsening symptoms or signs of shock.