This is a serious injury. It is when a limb is severed or torn away from the body.

NOTE:  It is important to remember to retrieve the amputated body part.

Amputated Limbs

In addition to normal control methods for external bleeding, you may also need to:

• Use multiple pads and bandages to be applied to the wound site to stop bleeding.
• In extreme cases a constrictive bandage may be used if bleeding cannot be controlled.
• Call 000 for an ambulance.

Caring for the amputated body part

The amputated body part has the greatest chance of being re-attached by a specialist doctor if it is handled correctly as follows:

• Place the amputated body part in a watertight plastic bag.
• The plastic bag can then be placed in a container of iced or cold water.
• DO NOT allow ice or water to come into direct contact with the amputated body part.
• DO NOT wash the amputated body part. Washing can damage the tissue and nerve endings and reduces the chance of being successfully re-attached to the casualty.
• DO NOT place body parts into a fridge or freezer.
• The casualty and the amputated body part are to travel to the hospital together.