Wilderness Medicine Case Study 63

While on a day tour in the backcountry, one of your snowboarding friends landed on their right shoulder after grabbing some air off a terrain feature. Jose says his shoulder hurts (6) and he doesn't want to move it. Removing his outer and inner layers, you take a quick look (see photo below), and then carefully replace his clothing. He did not hit his head. After roughly ten minutes the pain in his shoulder abates to a mild, deep throbbing (4) and 

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he is noticeably more comfortable. He exhibits no spine pain or tenderness and has normal motor and sensory exams with no electric-like pain or tingling shooting down either of his arms or legs. He has approach snow shoes in his pack.

What is wrong with Jose and what should you do? Click here to find out.

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Don't know where to begin or what to do? Take one of our wilderness medicine courses. Guides and expedition leaders should consider taking our Wilderness First Responder course.

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