Why warning signs matter

Some injuries are more serious than they first appear. A fracture may be present even when the skin is unbroken, and damage to blood vessels, nerves or surrounding tissues may not be immediately obvious.

Recognising warning signs and seeking appropriate care can help prevent further harm.

The information below is intended to help you decide when to seek medical attention. It cannot determine the seriousness of an individual injury or replace an examination by a healthcare professional.

When emergency care is needed

Arrange emergency medical care if an injured person has any of the following:

  • Heavy bleeding that is difficult to control.
  • A bone protruding through the skin or a wound over a suspected fracture.
  • An arm or leg that is severely deformed or appears to be at an unusual angle.
  • A hand or foot that is unusually cold, pale or blue after an injury.
  • Loss of sensation or an inability to move the fingers or toes following an injury.
  • Signs of a serious injury accompanied by fainting, marked weakness, breathing difficulties or reduced consciousness.

A serious accident, particularly one involving a possible head, neck or spinal injury, also requires emergency assessment. Avoid moving the person unnecessarily unless they are in immediate danger.

Use the emergency services or emergency department available in your area.

Other signs that need prompt medical assessment

Seek prompt medical advice if:

  • You suspect a bone may be broken.
  • Pain is severe, persistent or getting worse.
  • Swelling or bruising is substantial or increasing.
  • You cannot use the injured arm or leg normally.
  • Putting weight on an injured leg causes significant pain.
  • A child refuses to use an arm or leg after an injury.
  • An injury is not improving as expected.

The ability to walk, move a joint or continue an activity does not reliably rule out a fracture.

What to do while arranging care

Keep the injured area as still as reasonably possible. Support the arm or leg in the position in which you find it, without attempting to straighten it.

If the person has an open wound, cover it with a clean dressing if one is available. For bleeding, apply appropriate pressure around the wound without pressing on protruding bone.

Avoid putting weight on an injured leg. Do not massage, pull or manipulate an injured limb.

If a healthcare professional has already applied a cast or splint and the person develops severe pain, numbness, increasing tightness, or changes in the colour or temperature of the fingers or toes, obtain urgent medical assessment.

If you are unsure

You do not need to identify the exact injury before seeking help.

If you suspect a fracture or are concerned about the symptoms, contact an appropriate health facility. If the person has signs of a serious injury, do not wait for a routine appointment.

Questions to ask a healthcare professional

  • Could this injury involve a broken bone or damage to other tissues?
  • Is imaging or specialist assessment needed?
  • Which symptoms should prompt an immediate return?
  • How should I protect the injured area until the next review?

Related material

Sources and further reading:

Sources & further reading