Amputation

●Critical

⚠️ Check: Is the area safe for you to approach?

Call 112. Press hard on the wound. Use tourniquet if needed. Save the severed part in a bag on ice.

Step 1: Call 112 immediately
Step 2: Apply very firm pressure to the stump to control bleeding
Step 3: If limb bleeding will not stop, apply a tourniquet high on the limb
Step 4: Find the amputated part, wrap it in clean moist cloth, place in a plastic bag, and keep the bag on ice — do not freeze directly
Step 5: Treat for shock — lay person down, keep warm

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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT wash the severed part under running water for a long time.

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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT put the severed part directly on ice or in dry ice.

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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT delay bleeding control to search for the amputated part — send someone else.

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Say: "Traumatic amputation of [part]. Heavy bleeding. Tourniquet applied: yes/no."
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Tell them the severed part has been recovered and preserved if applicable.

All traumatic amputations need emergency care immediately.

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — All amputations require emergency surgery. Time is critical for possible reattachment.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Note tourniquet time and whether the severed part was recovered — medics need this information.

Know your limits: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Control bleeding and preserve the amputated part. Do not attempt reattachment or wound closure yourself.

This helper does not contact emergency services. You must call yourself.

When you are safe, you can read more about this emergency.

This content is in Draft and has not been professionally reviewed. Use alongside calling emergency services.

Current step: Step 1 of 5

Amputation — Do This Now | AidNow