What To Do At The Time Of A Traumatic Amputation?

Explanatory note: In all cases, the reimplantation of the lost limb is not successful, since the management given to the amputated part is very important and depends on the conditions in which it has remained. This is an instructional and educational guide. You should always consult the nearest health center.

Emergency and critical care

If an accident occurs that results in an amputation, whether from a clean cut, crush, or tear, and if it is complete (that is, the body part is completely severed / amputated), that body part can sometimes be connect / reimplant, especially when proper care is taken with both the severed / amputated part and the residual limb or stump.

Depending on the severity of the injury, the partially severed limb may or may not reconnect. The most frequent complications are bleeding, shock and possible infection.

The long-term outcomes of a person who has had an amputation depend on timely emergency management and critical care.

Steps to follow

First measure:

In the case of multiple trauma remember that saving life is more important than saving the amputated part of the body. Bleeding can be temporarily reduced by compressing the femoral or brachial artery by hand.

Report:

To the place where the affected person or health center will be transferred, it is necessary to make clear about the type of cut (clean, crushed or torn), and the situation of the patient in order to know if there is the possibility of a reimplantation.

Putting a compression bandage on the injured limb:

In order to prevent bleeding, keeping it elevated above the level of the heart. The use of tourniquets should be avoided, since in a long time it generates necrosis.

Wrap the amputated part in gauze or sterile cloth: If this is not available, a clean cloth or cloth will be used as possible. Wounded parts will never come into contact with cotton.

Put the amputated part in a plastic bag: Wrapped in gauze, you will deposit it in a plastic bag, tightly closed, so that no water or any type of harmful residue for the tissue enters.

Immerse the bag in water and ice: The ideal temperature for the conservation of the amputated part during the transfer is around 4ºC. It is achieved by immersing the plastic bag in ice water. The ice should not be in direct contact with the amputated part, since it would freeze and could not be implanted.

Avoid doing any kind of scan: Do not attempt to clean or disinfect the amputated limb, leave this to the experts upon arrival at the hospital. Only in the case that the personnel are trained, can the cleaning be carried out with distilled water or drinking water. Do not give alcoholic beverages, coffee or tea to the injured person.

If the amputation is incomplete: The same procedure will be followed, but a splint will be placed to keep the limb immobile. Any union with the stump is essential, so the wound should not be manipulated, since weak but important unions could be removed.

To follow these tips: The affected part will be precise for the effects of healing and subsequent reimplantation of the limb. Or adaptation to an assigned prosthesis. An adequate and functional prosthesis and retraining can accelerate rehabilitation.

Referente Bibliográfico:

http://www.paritarios.cl/consejos_amputacion.htm

http://www.laboratorio-gilete.com/index.php/blog/81-que-hacer-en-caso-de-una-amputacion

https://empendium.com/manualmibe/chapter/B34.III.23.7.

https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/000006.htm