Reducing a dislocated shoulder

[CrabGrassAcres]

http://www.outdoored.com/Community/blogs/w...islocation.aspx

 

This is simple enough that anybody can do it and is something you should read, print out and have in your first aid kit.

[AarounPierce]

That is a very useful technique for reducing a dislocated shoulder, but there are a few things you must understand from that article.

 

#1 - The Milch Technique work only on dislocations where the ball joint of the shoulder is pulled toward the front of the body, what he refers to as the anterior area of the body (anterior is the front of the body, posterior is backside).

 

#2 - Milch Technique is VERY difficult to perform solo, if you must attempt to do this on your own, use a belt or bit of rope to secure your upper chest (collarbone of the affected side across to the armpit of the unaffected side) to something solid...such as a high-back wooden chair.

 

#3 - Best practice is to have someone help reduce any dislocation. The decribed technique still applies, but the helper can apply pressure to the shoulder-socket/collarbone area while holding the injured's balled fist to perform the same motions.

 

Hope that makes sense, reducing dislocations is risky in a wilderness setting because of the lack of pain medication (five tongue depressors taped together help) . Also remember to check your pulse above and below the injured area and always keep an eye open for symptoms of shock with any structural injury.

[CrabGrassAcres]

Thankyou for the additional information!

 

From what I have read 97% of dislocations are anterior.

 

I certainly would not advise trying this if medical care is available, BTW.