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HINTS TO TRAVELLERS. 
extemporised splints, such as boards, straight sticks, umbrellas, or 
bayonets, should be applied and kept in position till the patient is 
in bed. 
Splints suitable to the injury should be now made and well covered 
with wool, lint, or cloth, special care being taken to pad them well where 
they are likely to press upon bony prominences, such as the inner or 
outer ankle. The limb must next be straightened, and any deformity 
caused by overriding of the fragments must be remedied by steady 
pulling upon the parts above and below the fracture, in opposite 
directions, and the parts brought into good position by manipulating 
the bones at the seat of fracture. The prepared splints, extending 
well below and above the fracture, are then fitted to the limb with 
cotton-wool or lint, and secured by bandages. 
If there is great swelling and tenderness of a limb, then it is advisable 
not to apply splints at once. Sand pillows should be made, or stockings 
nearly filled with sand and their mouths tied, and applied one on either 
side of the limb, to keep it absolutely still; the painful swelling may be 
reduced by applying ice or evaporating lotions. When the swelling is 
somewhat reduced, splints may be applied after proper manipulation. 
Fractures should not be too tightly bound up, otherwise swelling and 
ulceration may be caused. If there is much pain and swelling after a 
fracture has been set, it will be necessary to loosen the bandages. 
Union of the fractured bones is generally completed in about six weeks. 
Collar-bones .—Fracture of the collar-bone should be treated by placing 
a large wedge-shaped pad (about six inches long, by three in thickness at 
the upper end) in the armpit, and securing it with tapes tied over the 
opposite shoulder. The elbow should then be brought forward, and 
raised and well supported by a broad triangular bandage or handkerchief, 
used as a sling, and with the ends tied over the opposite shoulder. A 
flannel or other bandage should then be wound round the chest, so as 
to secure the arm from accidental movements. 
Bibs .—Fracture of the ribs may be treated by wrapping a flannel 
bandage round the chest pretty tightly, so as to limit the movements of 
breathing, which are very painful. The flannel should be secured by 
stitching, and the upper turns should be fixed by broad tapes passed 
over the shoulders and firmly stitched. Firm strapping of the side with 
adhesive plaster is still better. For this purpose about six strips of 
