Slips, falls, suspected fractures and sprains
Do not move a suspected spinal injury. Support, rest, ice, elevate.
Get it checked
What to do now
- 1Keep the person still and warm; wet rocks and boat decks cause repeat falls.
- 2Suspected head, neck or back injury: do not move them, support the head in the position found, and call for help.
- 3Support a suspected broken limb in the position found using padding, a sling or a splint against the body.
- 4Sprains: rest, cool pack wrapped in cloth for 20 minutes, gentle compression, elevate.
Do not
- 1Do not straighten an obviously deformed limb.
- 2Do not let the person eat or drink if surgery may be needed.
- 3Do not remove a helmet or lifejacket unless the airway is threatened.
Seek urgent help if
- 1Deformity, bone visible, or the limb is cold, blue or numb.
- 2Head injury with drowsiness, vomiting, seizure, or memory loss.
- 3Any suspected spinal injury, or a fall from height or into hard water.
Aftercare
- 1Get imaging if pain and weight-bearing do not improve within 48 hours.
- 2Re-check the plan before your next trip — repeat falls are common on the same ground.
This page is general first-aid guidance for anglers. It cannot diagnose an injury and does not replace professional emergency care. If you are unsure, call 112.
