DISLOCATION FIRST AID

A dislocation is an injury in which the ends of your bones are forced from their normal positions. The cause is usually trauma, such as a blow or fall, but dislocation can be caused by an underlying disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Dislocations are common injuries in contact sports, such as football and hockey, and in sports that may involve falls, such as downhill skiing and volleyball. Dislocations may occur in major joints, such as your shoulder, hip, knee, elbow or ankle or in smaller joints, such as your finger, thumb or toe.

The injury will temporarily deform and immobilize your joint and may result in sudden and severe pain and swelling. A dislocation requires prompt medical attention to return your bones to their proper positions.

If you believe you have dislocated a joint:

Don't delay medical care. Get medical help immediately.
Don't move the joint. Until you receive help, splint the affected joint into its fixed position. Don't try to move a dislocated joint or force it back into place. This can damage the joint and its surrounding muscles, ligaments, nerves or blood vessels.
Put ice on the injured joint. This can help reduce swelling by controlling internal bleeding and the buildup of fluids in and around the injured joint.


Regardless of where the joint dislocation is on the injured person's body, these are the basic steps you should take to provide first aid. The key to providing first aid in any situation is to remain calm while you help the injured person. Take the following steps to give first aid to someone with a dislocated joint.

Step1

Call 911. Do this before you begin any other type of first aid on the joint dislocation. Follow any instructions you are given.
Step2

Make sure to check the injured person's breathing. Make sure nothing is obstructing their airway. Administer CPR or rescue breathing if necessary. Also take any necessary steps to staunch bleeding before beginning first aid for a joint dislocation.
Step3

Keep the injured person still. Don't attempt to move him unless absolutely necessary. If you must move him, grab his clothes, not his body.
Step4

Cover any open wounds to prevent infection. If sterile bandages aren't available, cut up a clean article of clothing.
Step5

Do not try to move the bone and/or joint. Splint it or immobilize it just as it is. If you try to move a dislocated joint, you risk further injury and more pain to the injured person.
Step6

Check that the wounded area is getting enough blood flow. Press near the injury. The skin should turn white, then immediately get its color back.
Step7

Keep the victim calm until emergency help arrives. Cover him with a blanket to keep him warm. Be observant for the signs of shock that may set in several minutes after the injury occurs. Apply an ice bag to the dislocated joint to provide some relief from the pain.

source:Myoclinic.com