Wait until professional medical personnel arrive before attempting to wash or in any way “clean” the wound (if there is a wound, or if there are any areas of broken skin). [2] X Research source Attempting to do so without the proper sterilizing equipment or medical training actually increases the chance of infection rather than decreasing it. For now, covering the area is enough to decrease the chance of it becoming infected.
Be sure to immobilize both above and below the dislocated joint to ensure maximum stability while awaiting medical treatment. [4] X Research source If it is the shoulder that is dislocated, you can use a sling (or make a sling by tying a long piece of fabric into a circle) to immobilize it. Make sure the sling holds the limb against the body. Instead of just wrapping the sling around the neck, try wrapping it around the torso before tying it at the neck. If it is another joint such as a knee or elbow, a splint is your best bet. Splints can be constructed of sticks or another stabilizing device and tape or fabric strips to hold the splint in place.
Check the pulse in the area of the limb farthest from the center of the body — in the wrist if the arm or shoulder is dislocated, on the top of the foot or behind the ankle bone if the injury is to a leg.
Severe bleeding Other traumatic injuries A possible head, neck, or spine injury (do not move the person if you suspect a possible neck or spine injury as moving them can cause severe damage) Loss of sensation in the affected joint or the extremities (fingers, toes, etc. )
Apply ice for no longer than 10 – 20 minutes at a time.
The doctor will then immobilize the joint for several weeks. [7] X Research source He will be sure to immobilize it in the correct position, after everything has been re-aligned, and your body will naturally heal things from here. Sometimes surgery is needed if your doctor cannot re-align the bones around the joint manually. [8] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source In this case, the joint will be immobilized after surgery.
Only begin using the limb according to your doctor’s instructions.
