Coping with Chronic Health Conditions: Tips

3 Step Guide For Caring For Your Friend's Broken Arm While Hiking In The Woods

9 June 2017 by Freddie Cox

If you friend fell while the two of you were hiking in the woods, you may suspect that they might have broken their arm. If so, use the following three steps to provide immediate care for your friend so you can get them some professional medical assistance.

Step 1:  Examine Your Friend For Other Signs Of Injury

Even if your friend is only complaining about the pain in their arm after falling, you need to take the time to examine them for any other signs of injury. Do so while your friend is still on the ground in case they hit their head or are bleeding without them realizing it. Taking this precaution helps prevent worsening any unseen injuries.

Starting at their head, look for any signs of contusions, red areas, and bleeding. Then, have them turn slowly over so you can look at the other side of their body. If you do not see any other injuries, go on to the next step. 

Step 2:  Splint The Broken Area

The next step involves placing a temporary splint on your friend's arm. If the bone is broken, the splint will keep it in place so that the break does not get bigger while you are moving them out of the woods.

For the splint, use whatever you can find around the forest, such as two sturdy, straight sticks. Place the sticks on either side of the arm, and secure them with two pieces of string or fabric. You can use your shoelaces for the binding. 

Once you have put the splint on the arm, go on to the next step.

Step 3:  Immobilize The Arm 

Even with the splint in place, a break can worsen if the arm is allowed to move freely. In this next step, you need to take measures to immobilize the arm. 

As a temporary sling, you could use a long t-shirt or a long-sleeve button-up shirt. Place your friend's arm across their chest so the hand is above the heart to keep the blood from rushing to the injury.

While they are cradling the arm with their other hand, tie the shirt around them with one piece going up their back to meet the other end at their shoulder. Pull the fabric so the arm is snug against their chest, then tie the ends over the shoulder.

Once you have completed the steps, you need to get your friend medical attention immediately. After you get out of the woods, take them to the nearest urgent care facility so they fully examine the arm and the rest of your friend's body, as well as provide the appropriate treatment.

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