Amputations

Fact Checked

Amputations can be done on any part of the body, whether it is an arm or a leg, the procedure to carry out treatment is the same. If you think fast and act fast, the changes of reattaching the specific part of the body will be high. The information posted here is for learning purposes only. To learn how to help individuals with first aid for amputations and other skeletal emergencies enrol in workplace approved first aid training.

Follow these instructions to treat a casualty who has gone through an amputation:

1. Safety first! Make sure you practice universal precautions and consider your safety before the casualty’s. It is possible that you may get infected by the casualty; therefore, make sure you wear personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves and goggles, if necessary.
2. Call 911 and seek emergency medical assistance immediately. Make sure you notify the operator about your location as precisely as possible.
3. Check if the casualty’s airway is clear and make sure the casualty is breathing. If the casualty is not breathing, begin CPR immediately before you do anything else. Make sure you manage the stump (the amputated part still attached to the body) and control its bleeding. Apply pressure on the affected area that is bleeding and if practical, elevate the limb above the level of the heart. Do NOT use tourniquets unless medical assistance is delayed.
4. Place the amputated limb in a plastic bag, on top of some ice. Do NOT submerge the amputation in water or try to wash it. Do NOT place it in the ice; make sure it is lying on top.
5. If the ambulance has not arrived yet or is unavailable take the victim to the hospital immediately.
6. Observe the casualty and watch out for signs of shock.

Caution

• Do not try to control the bleeding of the amputation by washing it or drying it. Make sure it is not submerged in ice and remains untouched till it’s taken to a medical facility.
• Do not provide the victim with anything to eat or drink. The victim will have to go through surgery in order to be reattached to the amputation. Doctors recommend not having anything in a patient’s stomach while undergoing surgery.

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