(1) Reduction of the fracture and restoration of the normal alignment of the bone or bones. With a simple fracture of a finger this may not be difficult, because it is easy to feel the bone throughout its length. A fracture of the thigh bone presents a different problem, because the bone is deeply embedded in powerful muscles held in spasm and the two ends of the bone may overlap. Since you cannot give the patient a general anaesthetic, the best you can hope to do is so immobilize the limb and prevent the jagged ends of the bone from doing further damage to the tissues.

(2) Fixation of the fracture,, whether reduced or not, in splints so as to immobilize it, care being taken that the lower fragment is kept in correct alignment and not twisted - for it is, even though the fracture may have been reduced, much disability will result.

(3) Treatment of any wounds that may be present. Bandaging of the splints should be so done as to enable the necessary (perhaps daily) attention to be given to the wound without the splint having to be removed.

(4) Relief of Pain. After a splint is put on there may be considerable swelling of the part, which will cause pain by interfering with the blood supply. Tell the patient to let you know about any pain and watch the extremities for swelling, blueness, pallor, or numbness. If any of these signs is present, loosen the bandages. (As the swelling decreases, it may be necessary to tighten the bandages.)