| Conventional Treatment |
Give oxygen, if available. Make the patient as comfortable as possible. Transport quickly and safely to medical aid. (If appropriate activate EMS.) Arrange for immediate transport if you suspect rib fractures and there is breathing difficulty. Transport the Patient Transport the patient in the position of maximum comfort (sittingor eclining), if lying down this is almost always be the njured side down. This may have to be modified in the presence of other injuries. The semi-prone position elevates the good lung, immobilizes the fracture, and prevents drainage of blood into the good lung. A conscious patient will usually adopt a comfortable position in order to relieve breathing difficulties. Respect this position if it dose not interfere with transportation. If you suspect a spinal injury, Immobilze the patient and transport on a backboard.
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