Grade 6 Physical And Health Education Sport Related Injuries – Bone Fractures And Dislocation Notes
Physical & Health Education — Sport Related Injuries
Subtopic: Bone Fractures and Dislocation
These notes explain what fractures and dislocations are, how they happen during sport, signs to watch for, simple first aid you can do at school or on the field, and how to prevent them. The language is simple for learners aged 11.
What are they?
- Fracture: A fracture is when a bone cracks or breaks. It can be a small crack or a full break.
- Dislocation: A dislocation is when a bone slips out of its joint (for example, a shoulder or finger comes out of place).
How do they happen in sport?
- Falling badly during athletics, football, rugby or netball.
- Direct blow from another player or ball.
- Landing awkwardly after a jump.
- Twisting the limb suddenly (common in fingers and ankles).
Signs and symptoms to watch for
- Severe pain where the injury is.
- Swelling and bruising.
- Deformity — limb or joint looks bent or out of place.
- Cannot move the arm, leg, finger, or toe properly.
- For open fractures: bone may show through the skin — this is serious.
First Aid (What to do) — easy steps
- Stop play and call for help. Tell your teacher, coach or the nearest adult.
- Keep the person still. Do not try to move them if possible. Support the injured part.
- Immobilize (make it stay still). Use a splint: straight sticks, rolled newspaper or a board tied gently with cloth. Put padding (cloth) around the limb first.
- Check blood flow: After splinting, check the pulse and warmth of fingers or toes below the injury. If fingers or toes become pale or cold, loosen the ties.
- Apply ice: Wrapped in a cloth, put ice on the injured place for 15–20 minutes to reduce pain and swelling. Do not put ice directly on skin.
- Cover open wounds: If skin is broken, press gently with clean cloth to stop bleeding and cover the wound.
- Do NOT try to put a dislocated bone back in place. This must be done by a trained health worker.
- Arrange transport: Send the child to the school clinic or nearest health facility (clinic, health centre, or hospital) for X-ray and proper treatment.
- If serious (heavy bleeding, cannot breathe, unconscious, neck or back injury): call emergency numbers 999 or 112 in Kenya and keep the person still.
Tip: Always tell the parent/guardian and write down how the injury happened. The clinic needs this information.
What NOT to do
- Do not move the injured person roughly if you suspect a neck or back injury.
- Do not try to push the bone back into place (do not reduce a dislocation).
- Do not give the injured child food or drink if they may need an operation (school staff will advise).
How doctors treat fractures and dislocations
- X-ray to see where the bone is broken or dislocated.
- Setting the bone or joint — a doctor puts the bone back in place (for dislocation) or straightens the fracture.
- Plaster cast, splint or sling to keep the bone still while it heals.
- Physiotherapy (simple exercises) after healing to make the limb strong again.
How to prevent fractures and dislocations in sport
- Always warm up before games (stretching, slow jogging).
- Wear correct shoes and protective gear (shin guards, ankle support, mouthguards).
- Follow the rules of the game and play fairly.
- Learn the right techniques (how to land, fall safely, tackle correctly).
- Keep the playing area safe: no holes, stones or wet slippery patches.
- Have a teacher or coach supervise games and training.
Activity ideas for class
- Role-play: Practice safe first aid using a pretend splint (with teacher supervision).
- Quiz: Make a short quiz about signs of fracture and dislocation.
- Poster: Create a bright poster that shows "Do's and Don'ts" for injuries on the school notice board.
Remember: Your first job as a classmate is to keep the injured person calm and get an adult. Quick and safe help can make a big difference.
Emergency numbers (Kenya): 999 or 112. Also inform the school office and parents.