Joint Injuries
Joint injuries include fractures (breaks), dislocations, and sprains. They can
be among the most debilitating wilderness injuries, since they will prevent
you from one of your most important survival goals: moving. Prevent joint
injuries by exercising caution at all times.
Fractures: Fractures are the most serious of joint injuries, more so if they
are open or compound fractures, where the bone protrudes through the
skin. In these cases, it’s obvious immediately that a bone has been broken.
If the bone does not break the skin, signs of fractures include extreme pain
and tenderness, loss of function, swelling, general deformity of the area,
and a grating sound or feeling.
To treat a fracture, you must immobilize and splint the broken bone.
A splint is a solid surface, such as a stick, that you tie to the area to keep
the bone immobilized.
A stick or pole is best for making a splint, although even rolledup towels or clothing
can work.
(^308) | Survive!