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Civilian Emergency Platform
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — After a fall or twist, a joint looks deformed, is held stiffly, and causes severe pain — common in shoulder, finger, or kneecap.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — NOT EXPERT REVIEWED — NOT FOR PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Joint looks wrong shape, cannot move normally, severe pain.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Numbness, pale fingers, or no pulse below injury.
Scene hazards: Nerve or blood vessel damage, Repeat injury from manipulation
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Have person stay still. Support arm in sling position with towel if shoulder.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Check circulation and feeling in hand or foot beyond joint.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Apply cold pack 15 minutes on/off.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Arrange transport to hospital — do not drive if severe pain or shock.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 if no pulse below joint, open fracture, or major accident.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Otherwise urgent hospital visit for reduction and imaging.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — All dislocations need professional reduction and follow-up rehab.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT attempt to pop the joint back in place.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT test movement repeatedly — damages tissues.
MYTH: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — You should quickly pop a dislocated shoulder back yourself
REALITY: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Untrained reduction can fracture bone, tear arteries, or trap nerves. Hospital X-ray first.
DANGER: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Permanent nerve damage or stroke from botched shoulder reduction.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A dislocation means the bone ends separated at the joint. It looks deformed and is very painful.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Forcing the bone back without X-ray can fracture nerves or vessels.