How to Assess a Rib Fracture

Series Summary

The term “first aid” refers to the immediate care that is provided to an injured or sick person. It is used to stabilize a patient until further medical treatment and assessment can be provided at a hospital or care facility. A first-aid kit is used primarily to treat minor medical emergencies, like small cuts or burns. But it is important to keep a first-aid kit stocked with supplies used regularly as well as those items used for a more serious EMS situations. In addition to a first-aid kit, knowing what to do in emergency situations is a key part of treating injuries. Knowledge of how to roll an injured person to safety, or help a person having an epileptic seizure, may not be included in a first-aid kit, but might just save a life. In this free video series on first aid, captain Joe Bruni explains how to administer basic first aid techniques to various injuries. Bruni begins by discussing how to assess a rib fracture, keep a shaving nick from bleeding, stop mild bleeding and how to treat severe bleeding during first aid. He then explains how to treat a broken toe, foot sprain, foot fracture, knee sprain, ankle break and even a closed fracture. Watch these free videos and learn several useful first aid techniques for treating all sorts of injuries today.

Video Transcript

"You know blunt force trauma to any part of the body can cause a substantial injury. Hi, I'm Captain Joe Bruni, and what I'm going to talk about and discuss is how to assess a possible rib fracture. The individual that has received an injury to the chest area may be guarding the area with their hand or their arm. Basically, expose the area and look for signs of discoloration. Many times with a rib fracture, there may not be. Encourage the victim to cough. If they are experiencing sharp pain when they cough, this is also an indication that there may be a rib fracture in that area. Another sign and symptom may be an increased respiratory rate or breathing rate as the person is trying to take shallow, faster breaths to avoid the pain sensation associated with a rib fracture. If there is a suspected rib fracture, steps will need to be taken to ensure that the person is not feeling as much pain as they are taken to the emergency department for x-rays and evaluation. Rib fractures can be a pretty painful event that could also include punctures to the lung. Taking the person the emergency department is important as well as helping to relieve the pain and symptoms from a possible rib fracture. I'm Captain Joe Bruni. Stay safe and we'll see you next time."