Crush injury

A crush injury occurs when force or pressure is put on a body part. This type of injury most often happens when part of the body is squeezed between two heavy objects.

Damage related to crush injuries include:

  • Bleeding
  • Bruising
  • Compartment syndrome (increased pressure in an arm or leg that causes serious muscle, nerve, blood vessel, and tissue damage)
  • Fracture (broken bone)
  • Laceration (open wound)
  • Nerve injury
  • Infection (caused by bacteria that enter the body through the wound)

First Aid