When to seek emergency help

Also call for emergency help if:

• The person with the broken bone doesn't respond to you, isn't breathing or isn't moving. Call 911. Then begin CPR if there's no breathing or heartbeat.
• There's heavy bleeding.
• Even gentle pressure or movement causes pain.
• The limb or joint appears deformed.
• The bone has broken the skin and is sticking out.
• The toe of the injured leg or the finger of the injured arm is numb or discolored at the tip.
• You suspect a bone is broken in the neck, head or back.