When a person with a broken leg needs to be moved, what should you do?

When dealing with a broken leg, it is crucial to immobilize the joint above and below the break. This method prevents any further movement of the bone fragments, which can help reduce pain and prevent additional injury to surrounding tissues, nerves, and blood vessels. By stabilizing both the joint above the fracture and the joint below it, you create an effective splinting effect that keeps the broken area as still as possible, allowing for safer transport to medical assistance.

Moving the limb as is without support could lead to increased pain and further injury. Straightening the limb before splinting is generally not advisable, as this could exacerbate the injury or cause severe discomfort. Utilizing a heavy object to stabilize the leg may not provide proper support and could actually worsen the situation by applying undue pressure to the fracture site. Therefore, the safest approach is to immobilize the joint above and below the break, ensuring a more secure and pain-minimizing means of transport.