Continuing Professional Development: Risks and benefits of paramedic-initiated shoulder reduction
Journal of Paramedic Practice · 2011-10-07 · Other / unclear
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.
Abstract © the authors or publisher, via OpenAlex. Reuse and removal
Tags
Splinting & reduction · Paramedics & EMTs
Related articles
- Risk and benefits of paramedic-initiated shoulder reduction (Journal of Paramedic Practice, 2009)
- Implementation of a Prehospital Patella Dislocation Reduction Protocol. (Prehosp Emerg Care, 2020)
- Introduction of a Clinical Practice Guideline for Patella Reduction by Paramedics: The Effect on Pain Relief, Relocation, and Transport Decision. (Prehosp Emerg Care, 2026)
- Austere Diagnosis and Reduction of Anterior Shoulder Dislocations: 10-Year Review of a Ski Patrol-Based Program with Emergency Medical Technicians. (Wilderness Environ Med, 2023)
- Fractured care? Exploring Australian paramedics’ approach to neck of femur fractures – a cross-sectional survey (Trauma (SAGE), 2025)
- Paramedic-performed digital nerve block to facilitate field reduction of a dislocated finger. (Prehosp Emerg Care, 2012)