Dislocation

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Dislocation: First Aid

1. Call the local emergency number (such as 911) before you begin treating someone who may have a dislocation, especially if the accident causing the injury may be life-threatening.
2. If there has been a serious injury, check the person's airway, breathing, and circulation. If necessary, begin rescue breathing, CPR, or bleeding control.
3. Do not move the person if you think that his head, back, or leg has been injured. Keep the person still and provide reassurance.
4. If the skin is broken, take steps to prevent infection. Do not blow on the wound. Rinse the area gently to remove obvious dirt, but do not scrub or probe. Cover the area with sterile dressings before immobilizing the injury.
5. Splint or sling the injury in the position in which you found it. Do not move the joint. Be sure to immobilize the area above and below the injured joint.
6. Check the person's blood circulation periodically, either by checking the radial pulse in the wrist or pressing firmly on the skin in the affected area -- it should blanch white, then regain color within a couple of seconds.
7. Apply ice packs to ease pain and swelling.
8. Take steps to prevent shock. Unless there is a head, leg, or back injury, lay the victim flat, elevate the feet about 12 inches, and cover the person with a coat or blanket.