HOME FIRST AID

Call an ambulance if the person is experiencing any of this – tingling, numbness or weakness of the hand or arm, and if the injury is near the sternum and the person has shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing, .

To immobilise the arm, hold it close to the body with the other hand or with a sling. The hand on the injured side should be raised up to the opposite shoulder. To reduce pain and swelling, apply an ice pack wrapped in a kitchen towel. Give painkillers such as ibuprofen unless there’s a break in the skin over the fracture, which may require you to have surgery.

At the hospital your GP will examine and X-ray the shoulder and chest. They may use an arm sling to immobilise it and apply a figureeight strap to maintain shoulder position. Surgery is rarely required.