Fractures.—­They are simply broken bones or cartilage, usually applied popularly to a broken bone.

Varieties.—­Simple fracture means a break of the bone only.

Compound fracture is where the broken bone sticks out through the skin.

      Accidentsand poisons 381

Comminuted is where the bone is broken into small parts.

Impacted is where one part of the broken bone is driven into the other part.

Green stick break.  This is not really a break, but only a bending of the bone, seen mostly in children.

Bandages for fractures can be made of muslin.  They should be six to eight to twelve yards long for large bones.

Width.  For a finger one inch. 
       For arm or head two and one-half inches. 
       For the leg three to four inches. 
       For the body six to eight inches.

An old sheet can be used and the ends of the strips sewed together and then wrapped tight in a roll, with the ravelings from the sides removed.  The bandage should be started from the end of the limb, wrapped towards the body.  They should not be wrapped so tightly as to shut off circulation,

Padding.—­This should be of cotton.  In case of necessity, handkerchiefs, towels, pieces of muslin, cloths; hay or grass can be used temporarily.

Splints.—­In emergencies splints can be made from shingles, pasteboards or even bark.

How to Take Hold of a Broken Leg or Arm.—­Never take hold of it from above, but slip the hands underneath, and then take a firm but gentle hold at two points a short distance from the break on each side, and all the while making slight extension with the hand on the end part (distal part) so as to keep the ends from rubbing together, and lift with both hands at the same time slowly and evenly until the limb is in the required position.  Then apply the emergency treatment.  This is to help keep the broken parts in place until proper care can be given, or to assist in safely and comfortably moving the patient to the place desired.  Support the broken limb with something smooth and stiff, such as a thin narrow shingle, three inches wide perhaps, or thin board, stout pasteboard, or the bark of trees, and padded with something soft, such as cotton, wool, hay, straw, leaves, which can be held by bandages of required width, or handkerchiefs folded in triangular shape, or by strips of linen, muslin, ribbon or anything with which the splint can be temporarily held fast.

For the Forearm.—­Two padded splints three to four inches wide and long enough to take in the hand also should be applied, one to the thumb, and the other to the back of the forearm, slight extension being made by pulling on the patient’s hand.  This pulls the broken end in place.  Tie on the splints over the hand, wrist and just below the elbow.  Two or three wraps of adhesive plaster or five or six wraps of a bandage or handkerchief or towel folded and pinned will temporarily hold the limb in place.  Put on a sling reaching from the finger tips to beyond the elbow.