Question

MUSE POST arst. You are a student werker at the student union building in the kitchen area. Your manager is slicing meat for sandwiches when the slicer has a malfunction. Your manager's finger has been amputated. What steps would you take in dealing with the amputated part?

Answer 1

An amputation is the complete loss or partial loss of a digit or limp. Accidental amputation of fingers are common. As the finger tips are rich in blood supply and nerve supply, the person may experience severe pain and bleeding.

Steps taken in dealing with amputated part includes

• Gently clean the stump with water . If sterile saline is available, clean the part with sterile saline.
• Cover the part with a sterile gauze.
• Let the injured person lie down and elevate the injured area above the chest level to reduce bleeding.
• Apply direct pressure above the stump to control bleeding.
• Reassure the injured person.
• Once the bleeding is controlled, care should be given to the amputated part.
• No need to wash the amputated part.
• Cover the amputated finger with a sterile gauze and place it in a water tight bag.
• Place the water tight bag on ice in a sealed container or another water tight bag.
• Do not allow the amputated part to be in direct contact with ice. It will further damage the amputated part.
• Call for ambulance.
• Bring the injured person and amputated part to the hospital.
• Provide emotional and psychological support to the injured person.