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HOW TO SURVIVE LOSING A LIMB
The accidental amputation of a limb is a life threatening situation. Knowing what to do in such a traumatic event will help keep you calm and increase chances for survival. Whether this happens to you or your companion, a
basic knowledge of first aid will help. The following steps may help to survive the loss of a limb.
GET HELP FIRST
After the accident, the most important thing to do is call for help. Call 911 or emergency services if possible. If not possible, call the police or fire station. It is vitally important to get help on the way immediately as it may take valuable minutes to get to you. Emergency treatment can be done after you have called 911 and are waiting for help to arrive. If for some reason you are alone and in a remote area where help cannot be reached, you must
stabilize yourself before going for help.
STEPS TO STOP THE BLEEDING
Wash your hands if possible, if not, use gloves or plastic bags to cover your hands. Do not touch the actual wound at any time. Remove the clothing from the wound area or cut the clothing off. If possible, gently rinse the wound area but you must take care that no debris is washed back into the wound. Let gravity work, hold the clean water above the wound and gently rinse the area. Continue until as much of the debris in the wound is rinsed out. If debris remains or is embedded in the wound, do not attempt to remove it. Do not wipe or scrub the actual wound. The next step is to cover the wound with a dressing. A sterile bandage is the best solution but if sterile gauze is not available, cover the wound with the cleanest cloth you can find. Once the wound is covered, do not remove the dressing. If bleeding continues, just add more bandages. If you are alone, this dressing can be an article of clothing. Elevate the affected limb which will slow the bleeding. Apply direct
pressure for a full fifteen minutes. Direct pressure means to hold your hands firmly on the dressing, just above the wound and not directly on the wound. Hold steady pressure for fifteen minutes then relax the pressure for a
few minutes. Repeat until help arrives. Do not apply pressure longer than fifteen minutes at a time, as damage can occur to blood vessels and nerve endings. As long as help is on the way and you can continue to apply direct
pressure, a tourniquet is usually not necessary. If you are alone or a tourniquet is necessary, hold the pressure for five minutes and release for at least two minutes. Repeat until you have reached the nearest help. Remember, it is imperative to relieve the pressure of a tourniquet; use only if there is no other option.
SAVING THE SEVERED LIMB
If you can recover the severed limb it may be able to be reattached by surgeons. Rinse the severed limb but do not wipe or scrub. Wrap the amputated part in sterile gauze or the cleanest cloth you can find. Place the
wrapped limb in a waterproof bag or container and put ice on top of the bag or container. Do not place the severed limb in direct contact with ice as the contact could damage nerves. Try to make sure the limb is sent to
the hospital at the same time as the patient. If you are by yourself, try to recover the severed limb and cover it to prevent contamination. Keeping the severed limb cold helps prevent further damage and makes it easier to attach. If you cannot recover the severed limb on your own, note your location so rescuers can find it later for possible reattachment.
REVIEW
Stay calm. Call for help. Don’t touch the wound. Rinse if possible. Apply the cleanest possible dressing. Elevate the limb. Apply direct pressure. Recover the severed part if possible. Preserve the severed limb if possible.
Although losing a limb is a heart thumping medical emergency, if you stay calm and follow the basics of first aid, chances are excellent for survival. If the severed limb can be reattached, the use of the limb is greatly enhanced.
If the severed limb cannot be recovered or reattached, prosthetic devices can be used to aid in everyday life. The loss of a limb can be a discouraging trauma but with medical advances today, it need not cripple you. Remember, you are more than your arm or leg!
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