Broken Collarbone (cont.)
Broken Collarbone Self-Care at Home
- If someone has been in an automobile accident or suffered a similar trauma, and a broken collarbone is suspected, be cautious and do not move the person. There may be other injuries. Wait for appropriately trained emergency medical services personnel to arrive unless the patient is still in danger if they are not moved.. If the patient must be moved, avoid movements of the neck, back, and injured collarbone as much as possible to avoid further injuries.
- If it is clear that only a broken collarbone is involved, the most important treatment is
- The arm should be moved as little as possible. An ice pack wrapped in a towel should be applied directly to the broken collarbone.
Aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are effective over-the-counter pain relievers for adults;
avoid aspirin use in children.
- A homemade sling can be formed from a large handkerchief, or towel, or from the triangle bandage found in most home first aid kits. Simply fold the handkerchief, or towel, in half to form a triangle. Then fold the triangle around the forearm with one pointy end toward the elbow and the other two ends can be tied around the neck. The elbow should be bent and supported by the sling across the chest.