Facts About Amputations
- In case of amputation, consult a doctor immediately
- First, the bleeding should be stopped by applying pressure and subsequently a dressing. One must be observed for shock
- The amputated body part may in some cases be reconnected. It must therefore be put in a plastic bag with fabric outside and another plastic bag with ice cubes
Situation
- Full or partial tear of an arm, a leg, a finger or a toe
- The amputated part can in many cases be resumed with microsurgery. It is therefore important to bring the injured and the amputated part to the hospital as soon as possible
- The injured person is in danger of shock and will need treatment for such development
First aid
- Check bleeding
- If possible use disposable gloves
- Lift the damaged area up, place a sterile bandage over the wound and press firmly against it to control bleeding
- If the finger / toe / arm / leg is partially worn, bandages the wound and pressure against the wound
- Make sure that the injured person has it comfortably. Treat any shock
- Fixing the dressing
- The bandage, the compresses, is attached with a roll that can be rolled
- Follow the injured person
- Record regular vital signs such as awareness level, pulse and breathing – until help comes
- Possibly. Transports the patient himself
- If a finger or toe is amputated and the injured person is not in shock, you can bring the person and the amputee to the hospital yourself.
- Do not give food or drink
- If microsurgery becomes necessary, the patient should be in anaesthesia. Therefore, do not let the injured eat, drink or smoke
Handling the amputated part
- Do not wash the amputated part
- If possible, pack the amputee into self-adhesive plastic (plastic plastic roll) or place it in a plastic bag
- Pull soft clothes around the plastic bag and place ice clumps around the package. Do not let the amputated part come in direct contact with the ice
- Feel possible. the package with the injured name and time of injury
- Give the package to the ambulance staff