Which of these symptoms indicate rib fracture in a conscious victim?
Show the correct answer
Correct answer
A. The victim complains of pain that intensifies with deep breathing and movement.
Explanation
In the photo, you can see a red first aid kit with the emergency numbers 999 and 112. A rib fracture in a conscious casualty is indicated by pain that gets worse with deep breathing and moving - answer A.
The ribs move with every breath, so a rib fracture causes sharp pain when breathing in, coughing and changing position. The casualty breathes shallowly and often holds the painful place with a hand. Limping on one leg (answer B) indicates an injury of the lower limb, and stomach pain (answer C) indicates an injury of the abdominal organs, although it may also occur with a fracture of the lower ribs. You do not force the casualty into a position; you let them take a comfortable position, most often half-sitting, you call for help and watch their breathing.
Legal basis: Art. 162 § 1 of the Criminal Code