How to Apply Cushion to a Injured Ankle

          If a joint is overstressed, the bones that meet at that joint may get disconnected, or dislocated. When this happens, there's usually a torn joint capsule and torn ligaments, and often, nerve injury. "If more pressure is put on a bone than it can stand, it will fracture (split or break). Open fractures(in which bone pierces the skin) can easily become infected" (Handal 72). 

          Its hard to tell a dislocated bone from a broken bone. Both are an emergency. I have sprained my ankle before in PE class while sprinting across the gym and around corners. I used these steps to help keep my ankle stay mobilized and have less pressure from walking afterward. These steps are also very helpful if you do not have the right type of material at the moment. The general first aid steps are the same for emergency's.

• If you suspect that the victim has  dislocation or broken bone, and there is severe bleeding, call EMS.
• If you cannot completely immobilize the injury at the scene by yourself, call EMS 

"To immobilize an injured ankle, put a pillow or folded blanket underneath the foot and ankle" (Handal 73).

Steps:

1. First wrap one end of the pillow around the ankle and tie it in 2 places
2. Then wrap the other end of the pillow around the toes and tie it in 1 place
3. Leave the toes exposed
4. Elevate the ankle

Have you ever been in an emergency where you've seen or had to cushion a sprained body part?