Continuing Professional Development: Risks and benefits of paramedic-initiated shoulder reduction
Abstract
Overview
A dislocated shoulder is a painful injury that requires early reduction to reduce pain and restore mobility. Anterior dislocations are the most common type, and techniques used to achieve reduction have a high rate of success and low rate of complications. While this procedure is commonly performed by physicians, a delay to care may be associated with unnecessary pain and complications associated with delayed reduction. As such, this module investigates the conditions under which paramedic management of these injuries may be appropriate.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this module you will be able:
• Recognize the typical clinical features associated with anterior shoulder dislocation.
• Describe the anatomical structures that maintain shoulder stability.
• Contrast the risks of shoulder reduction in the field with risks associated with delayed reduction.
• Describe circumstances where paramedic reduction of shoulder dislocation may be indicated in the field.