Unconscious first aid in open fractures triggers permanent damage
Experts warn that attempting to push protruding bone back into place and tampering with the wound in open fracture cases can cause serious additional damage to blood vessels and nerves.
Specialist Dr. Bakıt Kerekulov from Özel EMOT Hospital stated that incorrect interventions during first aid in open fractures, where the bone pierces the skin and protrudes, can lead to permanent damage to blood vessels, nerves, and soft tissues.
Mistakes Made in Open Fractures
Stating that open fractures, where the bone pierces the skin and emerges, are among serious injuries requiring urgent intervention, Specialist Dr. Bakıt Kerekulov warned that an incorrect intervention during first aid could cause additional damage to blood vessels, nerves, and soft tissues.
Do Not Attempt to Push the Bone Back
Kerekulov stated that attempting to push the protruding bone back into place—one of the frequent mistakes made in open fractures—must definitely not be done, and noted that an unconscious intervention can increase the existing damage.
Infection and Touch Risks
Pointing out that open fractures carry a risk of infection because the wound in the fracture area is connected to the external environment, Kerekulov emphasized that muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and other soft tissues can be harmed in these injuries.
What Are the Priorities in First Aid?
Stating that the main purpose of first aid in open fractures is not to treat the patient but to prevent the condition from worsening until medical teams arrive, Kerekulov noted that the priority is to control bleeding and safely transport the patient to a healthcare facility.