THE PHILIPPINE NAIONAL RED CROSS First Aid Visual Aids

SAFETY SERVICES Bones, Joints, and Muscle Injuries

1. Muscle cramp or spasm

Is the sudden, painful tightening of a muscle.
First Aid
1. Have the victim stretch out he affected muscle to
counteract the cramp.
2. Massage the cramped muscle firmly but gently.
3. Apply heat. Moist heat is more effective than dry heat.
4. Get medical help if cramps persist.

2. Muscle strain or pulled muscle

Is the sudden, painful tearing of muscle fiber during exertion.

First Aid
1. Apply cold compresses at once.
2. Elevate the limb to reduce swelling and bleeding with in the
muscle. Rest the pulled
3. Getmuscle forhelp.
medical 24 hours.

TR 8-2
 THE PHILIPPINE NAIONAL RED CROSS First Aid Visual Aids
SAFETY SERVICES Bones, Joints, and Muscle Injuries

3. Sprain
Is caused by torn fibers in a ligament.

First Aid
1. Remove any clothing or jewelry from around the joint.
2. Apply cold compresses at once.
3. Elevate the affected joint with pillow or clothing.
The victim’s physician may recommend an over the counter anti-inflammatory
medication (aspirin, ibuprofen) appropriates for the victim’s general health.

TR 8-3
 THE PHILIPPINE NAIONAL RED CROSS First Aid Visual Aids
SAFETY SERVICES Bones, Joints, and Muscle Injuries

4. Dislocation and Broken Bones

Joint dislocation is the displacement of a bone from its normal
position at a joint. While
Broken bone is a break or disruption in bone tissue.
First Aid
1. Check the victim’s ABC.
2. Keep the victim still.
3. Prevent infection by covering a sterile dressing
before immobilizing.
. Splint or sling the injury in the position, which
you found it.
5. Take steps to prevent shock.
6. Get medical help.

TR 8-4