37.27. In case of a limb fracture, you should:
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning road safety in the context of first aid during a traffic accident. For a driver, it is important not only to know the traffic rules but also to be able to perform basic emergency actions before the arrival of medical professionals, in order to reduce the risk of complications for the victim and not to worsen the injury while waiting or during transportation.
The theoretical exam includes tasks that test the section of the Traffic Rules on the driver's duties in the event of an accident and the definition of first aid (in particular, points 1.10 and 2.10). The essence of the check is simple: in case of suspected fracture, the main task of first aid at the scene is to ensure the immobility of the injured limb, that is, to perform immobilization with a splint or a firm improvised object (board, plank, branch) and securely fix it to prevent displacement of bone fragments, increased pain, and possible bleeding.
The analysis of answer options comes down to the practice of first aid: simple bandaging does not solve the key problem of a fracture—the mobility in the injury area, so without fixation it can even be dangerous. Trying to "lay as comfortable" without a splint is also incorrect, because a comfortable position does not guarantee immobility, and unnecessary movements during transfer only worsen the injury. Instead, immobilization is the basic and most appropriate action for a non-professional, especially before the arrival of the ambulance; in the case of an open fracture, it is additionally important not to reposition the bone, but to act carefully, stopping bleeding if possible and fixing the limb in its current position.
Clause 1.10 (the term “First aid”)
First aid — urgent actions performed at the scene by persons without medical education, aimed at saving the victim’s life and preventing complications before the arrival of medical professionals.
Clause 2.10 (driver’s duties in case of involvement in a road traffic accident), subclause “g”
In case of involvement in a road traffic accident, the driver is obliged to: take possible measures to provide first aid to the victims, call (notify) emergency medical services and the police.
Brief application: immobilization (fixation) of the injured limb with a splint or improvised means is a typical first aid measure to prevent displacement of bone fragments, increased pain, bleeding, and other complications before the arrival of medical personnel.
That is, the correct answer is “Immobilize the limb with a splint or an object that can substitute for it,” given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, first aid includes urgent actions to prevent complications, and the driver in case of an accident is obliged to take possible measures to provide it to the victims.
A limb fracture is dangerous because any movement can cause the bone fragments to shift. This increases pain and can further injure muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, as well as cause bleeding or worsen the victim’s condition. Therefore, the main task in first aid before the arrival of medical professionals or transportation to the hospital is to prevent unnecessary movement at the site of injury.
The best tactic is to immobilize the injured limb. To do this, a splint is applied to fix the limb in the position it is in and reduce the risk of displacement. If a special splint is not available, a flat, hard object can be used as a substitute: a board, plank, thick branch, plywood, or other similar material, and it should be carefully secured with available means (bandage, belt, cloth).
If the fracture is open and the bone is visible from the wound, do not attempt to “set” it back. In such a situation, the principle of immobility also applies: first, stop the bleeding if possible, then fix the limb in its current position and arrange for the victim to be transported to a medical facility.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Immobilize the limb using a splint or a substitute object," because immobilization reduces pain and prevents displacement of bone fragments and additional injuries during movement or transportation.