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.
Instructions
1. Call 911. Do this before you begin any other type of first aid on the joint dislocation. Follow any instructions you are given.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Cover any open wounds to prevent infection. If sterile bandages aren't available, cut up a clean article of clothing.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
Tags: injured person, dislocated joint, joint dislocation, first joint, first joint dislocation