What types of dislocations can a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) trained individual reduce?

The rationale for selecting shoulder, jaw, fingers/toes, and patella as dislocations that a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) can reduce lies in the training and guidelines established by wilderness medical practice.

These joints are typically accessible and more manageable for reduction techniques employed in a wilderness setting. The shoulder is commonly dislocated due to falls or sports injuries and can be easily assessed and treated by the responder. The jaw, particularly when dislocated during trauma, can also be reduced with specific techniques that WFR training offers.

Fingers and toes are smaller joints where dislocations are not uncommon, and simple techniques can be used for reduction without requiring advanced medical intervention. The patella dislocation, often linked with knee trauma, can be managed effectively with appropriate techniques taught in a WFR course.

Understanding the nature and complexity of dislocations is critical: some joints, like the hip or those involving the spine, require advanced skills and imaging for proper management due to the risk of complications. Therefore, the focus of WFR training is on those dislocations that responders are reasonably expected to manage successfully in a wilderness context.