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A broken bone happens when one of your bones becomes cracked or broken into multiple pieces. It’s also known as a fracture. It can result from a sports injury, accident, or violent trauma.
Broken bones usually aren’t life threatening, but they do require immediate medical care. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of a broken bone, provide first-aid treatment, and get professional help.
A broken bone can cause one or more of the following signs and symptoms:
If you suspect that someone has a broken bone, provide first-aid treatment and help them get professional care:
If the person doesn’t appear to be breathing, is unconscious, or both, call 911 for medical help and begin CPR. You should also call 911 if:
Otherwise, help them get to the emergency department by car or other means so a doctor can diagnose their condition and recommend appropriate treatment.
Written by: Linda Hepler, RN
Medically reviewed
on: Oct 17, 2016: William Morrison, MD
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