Broken Hip

Call 911

1. Do CPR, if Necessary

• If the person is not breathing or you can't find a pulse, start CPR.

2. Protect From Further Injury

• Keep the person lying on his or her back.
• Tie legs together at ankle and knee. Legs may be straight or bent.

3. Immobilize Leg

• If you have been trained in how to apply a splint, do it.
• Secure leg with stiff padding, such as wadded-up blankets or towels, held in place with heavy objects. Padding should extend above the hip and below the knee.
• If no materials are available, place one hand behind the person’s knee and your other arm along the top of the thigh, so your hand is just below the pelvic area.

4. Look for Signs of Shock

• Treat for shock if the person has:
• Pale, clammy skin
• Glazed eyes
• Sweating
• Rapid and shallow breathing
• Dizziness
• Vomiting

5. Follow Up

• The doctor will do an X-ray and may do an MRI, CT scan, or bone scan.
• If the person is healthy, surgery will be necessary.
• A person who is not healthy will be put into traction until the hip heals.

SOURCES:

American Academy of Family Physicians: “Hip Fractures.”

EMSA First Aid: “Broken Bones.”

Subbarao, I. AMA Handbook of First Aid and Emergency Care, Random House Reference, 2009.

Fermie, P. The Illustrated Practical Book of First Aid & Family Health, Lorenz Books, 2005.

Sanford Health: "Hip Fracture."