Amputation

What is it?

When any part of a limb is cut or torn off.

Plan of Action:

Act quickly

• Stop the bleeding by using a tourniquet or direct pressure

• Make sure the scene is safe

• Call 911 and get a first aid kit and AED

• Use a tourniquet to stop the bleeding

• If a tourniquet is unavailable or doesn't stop the bleeding, apply dressings from the first aid kit and apply direct pressure on the dressings over the bleeding area

To protect the amputated part:

• Rinse the amputated part with clean water

• Cover it with a clean dressing

• Place it in a watertight plastic bag

• Place that bag inside a separate container that contains ice or ice water

• Label the bag with the injured person's name, the date, and the time of amputation

• Make sure the body part gets to the hospital with the injured person

Do not place the amputated body part directly on ice