Is it advisable to immediately splint a broken arm with a board when help is on the way?

In a situation where a broken arm is involved, the priority is to ensure the safety and comfort of the injured person while waiting for professional help. Immediate splinting is not always necessary, especially if assistance is on the way. The rationale for this is that unnecessary movement of the injured area can potentially exacerbate the injury or cause additional damage to surrounding tissues, nerves, or blood vessels.

When help is on the way, it may be more beneficial to keep the injured area as still as possible, providing reassurance to the injured person rather than trying to splint the arm. This reduces the risk of further movement that could complicate the injury. However, if the person is in extreme pain or at risk of further injury without stabilization, splinting may be required. But as a general practice, when professional assistance is imminent, it is advised to avoid unnecessary interventions such as splinting unless absolutely needed.

In terms of the other options, while splinting may be helpful in certain circumstances, it is not a blanket requirement for all fractures, particularly when professional help is already en route. Understanding when and how to provide care is crucial to ensuring proper first aid protocols are followed.