Bone, Muscle, & Joint Injuries – Part 1
- Jason T
- May 13
- 4 min read
Updated: May 22
Bone, Muscle, & Joint Injuries – Part 1
A Guide for First-Year Nursing Students Taking Standard First Aid CPR-C & AED Training
As future healthcare professionals, it’s essential that nursing students understand how to identify and provide initial care for bone, muscle, and joint injuries. In this second part of our series, we’ll focus on sprains, strains, dislocations, and fractures—key injury types covered in your Standard First Aid CPR-C & AED course.
While a muscle cramp is not technically an injury, it’s a painful condition often caused by overuse or staying in one position too long. The good news is, the first aid steps for cramps, sprains, dislocations, and fractures follow a very similar approach.
💪 First Aid for Muscle Cramps
Muscle cramps can occur during intense physical activity or prolonged immobility. Here’s how to help:
Rest – Have the casualty stop all activity and find a position of comfort.
Stretch – Gently massage and stretch the cramped area.
Reposition – Encourage slow, gentle movement to relieve tightness.
🦴 First Aid for Bone, Muscle & Joint Injuries
These injuries may include fractures, sprains, strains, and dislocations. Immediate care is crucial to prevent further harm.
Use the R.I.C.E. Method:
Rest – Have the person sit or lie in a position of comfort.
Immobilize – Use a splint to keep the injured area still.
Cold – Apply cold packs to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Elevate – Elevate the injured limb above the level of the heart, if possible, to reduce swelling.
🩹 Understanding Splints
A splint is used to support and immobilize an injured area until professional care is available.
Types of Splints:
Soft Splint – Towels, blankets, pillows, or bandages.
Hard Splint – Cardboard, wooden boards, or rolled newspaper.
Anatomical Splint – The injured limb is secured to another body part (e.g., leg to leg).
Sling – Used for upper limb injuries; supports the arm using the neck.
🧠 Emergency Response: What to Do
As a future nurse, your response in the first few minutes of an emergency can make all the difference.
Scene Safety & Primary Check
Ensure the scene is safe.
Check the person's ABCs: Airway, Breathing, Circulation.
Wear gloves if available to protect from bodily fluids.
Call for Help
Call 911 and get an AED if you are alone.
Do this especially if there’s a suspected head, neck, or spine injury, a motor vehicle accident, or the person’s life is at risk.
Do not move or straighten the injury unless advised or if professional help is delayed.
Provide Ongoing Care
Follow 911 dispatch instructions carefully.
Treat any life-threatening conditions first with minimal movement.
Continue R.I.C.E. care as follows:
a) Apply cold for 20 minutes every hour (use a barrier between ice and skin).
b) Elevate the injured area if it does not cause further panic) Monitor for signs of shock and ensure comfort.
👩⚕️ Why This Matters for Nursing Students
As a first-year nursing student, building a strong foundation in emergency care procedures like fracture first aid, how to treat sprains, and how to immobilize a dislocation prepares you for both clinical settings and everyday emergencies.
With the right training, you’ll know how to:
Assess injuries quickly and safely
Use splinting techniques effectively
Respond confidently in high-stress situations
Deliver care that preserves life and prevents further injury
Be Prepared—Save a Life
We never know when an emergency will happen. But with the right knowledge from your Standard First Aid CPR-C & AED certification course, you’ll be ready to help those who need it most.
This material is for educational purposes only and reflects content from the Canadian Red Cross, Alberta Health Services, and the Heart & Stroke Foundation. It is not a substitute for hands-on training or professional medical advice. Always follow the direction of your certified instructors.
🚑 Just Remember:
✅ Protect Yourself
📞 Call 911
⏱ Don’t Waste Time
RESOURCES:
Author - Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd
Jason T
Retired EMT - Heart & Stroke Foundation Senior Instructor
