How to Stabilize a Fracture While Extreme Skiing

Extreme skiers who ski in off-site areas are prone to higher risks of injuries and fractures due to the rough terrain and steep slopes. The knee jerk reaction to a fall during extreme skiing is stretching to break the fall, which can cause fractures predominantly to the wrist, thumbs, knees, ankle and shoulder. Here are some tips to stabilize a fracture while waiting for professional help.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Saline solution
• Bottled water
• Antiseptic cream
• Sterile gauze
• Newspaper
• Wood
• Shoelaces

1. Move the person from the cold to a warm and comfortable location to prevent frostbite. Be careful to avoid movement to the injured site. Loosen tight clothing to promote breathing and blood circulation. Leave the shoes on if it is an ankle or toe fracture.
2. Check for open wounds near the fracture site. Control the bleeding with slight pressure and clean the wound with saline solution or bottled water to remove dirt. Dress the wound with antiseptic creams and sterile gauze.
3. Use long pieces of cardboard, rolls of newspaper, branches or strips of wood for securing the fracture site. Cut shoelaces or pieces of cloth for tying together the splint.
4. Immobilize the fracture by applying the splint both above and below the bone joints to prevent the broken bone from displacing. Use the shoelace or cloth to tie the splint in place. Tie it firmly to prevent movement but allow for circulation. Apply the splint without trying to reposition the fractured part.
5. Follow the RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation, while treating a fracture. After stabilizing, wrap ice in a towel and gently place on the fracture site to reduce pain. Keep the affected area snug in bandages to restrict movement and hold it in an elevated position.