Shoulder Dislocation, Attempting to Imitate a Climber, California, Joshua Tree National Monument

Publication Year: 1987.

SHOULDER DISLOCATION, ATTEMPTING TO IMITATE A CLIMBER

California, Joshua Tree National Monument

On April 19,1986,I was advised that James Witt (28) had injured his shoulder while rock climbing in the park. Naturalist Tammy Smith administered first aid for an apparent dislocated left shoulder. Witt was transported to the High Desert Medical Center in Joshua Tree by a privately owned vehicle. At 1130 R/R arrived at the Medical Center to gather further information concerning the injury.

Witt stated, “I had been watching some of the rock climbers near Hidden Valley Campground. I attempted to do a lay back when my shoulder became dislocated. Both of my shoulders have been dislocated in the past. I can usually just pop it back in myself, but this time I was unable to do that.” (Source: David Peterson, Joshua Tree National Monument)

(Editor’s Note: This kind of accident doesn’t go into the data base.)