title: Paramedic-performed digital nerve block to facilitate field reduction of a dislocated finger.
abstract: This short report describes the use of digital nerve block by a paramedic to facilitate the reduction of a dislocated finger in the prehospital setting. The finger was successfully reduced at the scene without requiring administration of parenteral opioids. The patient was reluctant to visit an emergency department, but was able to be referred to a local primary care practice for postreduction imaging and further care. Paramedic-performed local and regional anesthesia has not been previously described in the emergency medicine or emergency medical services literature. With appropriate training, prehospital digital nerve blocks may be a feasible option to supplement existing paramedic analgesic options.
authors.affiliation: Ambulance Service of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia. psimpson@ambulance.nsw.gov.au
authors.forename: Paul M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Simpson
authors.forename: Bernadette
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: McCabe
authors.forename: Jason C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Bendall
authors.forename: David C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Cone
authors.forename: Paul M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Middleton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000379:methods*