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Amputation - traumatic   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Loss of a body part

First Aid

1. Check the victim's airway (open if necessary); check breathing and circulation. If necessary, begin rescue breathing, CPR, or bleeding control.
   
2. Calm and reassure the victim. Amputation is painful and extremely frightening.
   
3. Control bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound, by elevating the injured area, and, if necessary, by using pressure point bleeding control. If the bleeding continues, recheck the source of the bleeding and reapply direct pressure, with help from someone who is not fatigued. If the victim is suffering from life-threatening bleeding, a constriction bandage or tourniquet will be easier to use than compression of pressure points.
   
4. Save and keep with the patient any severed body parts. Remove contaminating material, and gently rinse the body part if the cut end is contaminated with dirt. Wrap the severed part in a clean, damp cloth, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and immerse the bag in cold water (ice water if available). Don't put the severed part directly on ice, and do not use dry ice. If cold water is not available, keep the part away from heat. Save it for the emergency personnel, or take it to the hospital. Cooling the severed part will keep it viable for about 18 hours. Without cooling, it will only remain viable for about 4 to 6 hours.
   
5. Take steps to prevent shock. Lay the victim flat, raise the feet about 12 inches, and cover the victim with a coat or blanket. DO NOT place the victim in this position if a head, neck, back, or leg injury is suspected or if it makes the victim uncomfortable.
   
6. Once the bleeding at the site of the amputation is under control, examine the person for other signs of injury that require emergency treatment. Treat fractures, additional cuts, and other injuries appropriately.
   
7. Stay with the victim until medical help is obtained.

Do Not:

• DO NOT Forget that saving the victim's life is more important than saving a body part.
• DO NOT Overlook other, less obvious, injuries.
• DO NOT Attempt to push any part back into place.
• DO NOT Decide that a body part is too small to save.
• DO NOT Raise false hopes of reattachment.

Call Your Health Care Provider Immediately If:

If a victim severs a limb, finger, or toe, you should call immediately for emergency medical assistance.

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