Bone and Joint Injuries

Participants enrolled in standard first aid training will learn to recognize, treat and provide care for patients with Bone and Joint Injuries. These courses are available throughout Canada from east to west coast with courses now available in Nanaimo, B.C. Candidates enrolled in standard first aid will learn a variety of skills and must include skills and knowledge from previous sections to complete this portion of the course. The material posted on this page is for candidates that want to know the necessary minimum requirements to completing the bone and joint injury component of the course.

To successfully complete the Bone and Joint Injuries portion of the course candidates must:

  • Check the scene and environment for any dangers or hazards.
  • Determine the mechanism, cause and history of the emergency.
  • Complete the primary assessment (includes assess level of consciousness and ABC’s)
  • Using a bystander if possible, activate EMS and obtain an AED.
  • Immobilize the patient in the position found and limit the patients movement if possible.
  • Check the patient for movement, sensation and distal circulation.
  • If appropriate, apply ice.
  • Treat the victim for shock.
  • Reassure the patient.
  • Rescuer(s) must use / wear appropriate barrier devices.
  • Airway and breathing should be maintained.
  • Complete the secondary assessment.

Additional Notes:

  • A strong focus on this section is on mechanism of injury and the extent of the injury.
  • Candidates should be able to differentiate between open and closed fractures, sprains, strains and dislocations.
  • Participants will learn to recognize, treat and care for victims of clavicle, shoulder, elbow, upper and lower arm, wrist, hand, fingers, upper and lower leg, knee, ankle and toe injuries.
  • Ice should not be applied to injuries with no distal circulation.
  • Candidates will also learn to splint injuries.

To successfully complete standard first aid training participants must complete the bone and joint injury component of the course with the minimum required skills and knowledge posted above. Participants will learn more than the information posted above and can apply more skills and knowledge than the information posted on this page. When registering for a standard first aid course it is important for candidates to register through credible providers.