A fractured hand bone can be extremely painful. The slightest movement can exacerbate the pain and cause further injury. It is necessary to splint the hand as soon as possible after the injury. You can make an improvised makeshift stick out of everyday items. However, make sure it is checked by a doctor as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Improvised Hand Splint
Step 1. Prepare your hand
Place small pieces of cotton or gauze between each finger at the base of the hand to help absorb sweat.
Step 2. Find a cue
It should be a straight, hard object at least as long as the distance from the center of the forearm to the tips of the fingers. Ideally, an object that fits the shape of the arm, wrist and hand should be used. A rolled up newspaper can provide adequate support for making a makeshift splint.
Many first aid kits contain enough material to keep a fractured hand locked, but with a handle that the injured person can grasp with their fingers
Step 3. Band up the fractured area
Use gauze, a clean cloth, or belt. Wrap the splint and wrist tightly together to keep everything in place.
Step 4. Apply ice to the injured area
Wrap it in a cloth or towel or use the instant ice pack and place it on the back of your hand. Use a bandage or cloth to wrap it lightly and hold the ice in place so the broken hand doesn't swell. Do not apply ice directly to the skin, as it may cause frostbite.
Method 2 of 2: Cast
Step 1. Put a splint under the injured hand
Make sure that the injured part is resting comfortably and remains straight with your fingers slightly bent around the end of the splint.
Step 2. Wrap the splint
Use 4-ply cotton gauze or padding and, starting with the hand, wrap your arm up to at least mid-forearm.
Step 3. Place pieces of cotton or gauze between each finger
Step 4. Create the cast with calcium sulfate impregnated cotton bandages
Soak this product in warm water and wrap the gauze padding until the entire area is covered. Make sure the water is only lukewarm. Calcium sulfate (or Paris gypsum) heats up when processed and you risk burning the patient's skin if the strips are immersed in water that is too hot.
Advice
- If you don't have a straight solid object to use as a splint, you can make one to fit the patient's hand and arm using gauze and plaster of Paris bandages.
- Check your fingertips every now and then to make sure they are a normal pink color. If they start to turn gray or turn blue, it can mean the hand has poor circulation. The splint was probably tied too tightly around the arm or hand.
