Fractures
Never try to set the bone. Immobilise as found and get to hospital.
Signs of a fracture
- Severe pain and swelling
- Abnormal shape — bent or protruding
- Unable to bear weight, or to raise the arm
- You heard a snap
- Numbness or tingling
- Bone visible through the skin — an open fracture, a serious emergency.
First aid
- Call 119.
- Immobilise the injured part. Use a splint (a rigid board, magazine, umbrella) and cloth.
- Do not try to set the bone.
- Apply ice wrapped in cloth to reduce swelling — never directly on skin.
- For an open fracture, cover with clean cloth but don't push the bone back in.
- If a neck or spinal injury is suspected, don't move the person at all. Wait for 119.
What not to do
- Making them walk on it
- Applying a patch or ointment and enduring it
- Giving alcohol
- Giving food or water — surgery may be needed.
Where to go
- 119 ambulance (immediately)
- 1345 interpretation support
- e-gen www.e-gen.or.kr (find an A&E)
- 1588-0075 Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service (accidents at work)
Questions people ask
I was injured at work. This may be an industrial accident. Tell the hospital clearly that it happened at work and get it recorded. Ask 1588-0075. See industrial-accident.
I have no insurance. Treatment comes first. Ask the hospital's social work office and 129 about cost support. See medical-fee-support.
How do I get to hospital? Call a 119 ambulance, or if you can move, go to orthopaedics or A&E. See ambulance-cost.
I don't speak Korean. Call 119 and say "English" to request an interpreter. See emergency-interpretation-1345.
Take care
Never rub or massage the swollen area — it worsens the damage. Remove rings and watches before swelling sets in; later they can't be taken off. If the head was struck, get checked even if the person seems fine.
Related
fall-injury · first-aid-basics · bleeding · orthopedic · industrial-accident
Source
Korean Red Cross www.redcross.or.kr / As of 2026-08