Suggested Initial Management of Traumatic Amputation
Our microsurgical team has thirty years' experience replanting fingers, hands, extremities, facial and body parts. Microsurgeons are available 24 hours a day.

Care of Patient  |  Care of Wound  |  Care of Amputated Part  |  Transportation  |  Contact Us

Care of Patient

• Check the general condition of the patient


• Start large bor IV line and keep open with Ringer's lactate


• Administer Cefazolin (Ancef or Kefzol) 1 gram IV (if patient is not allergic) and Tetanus Toxoid o.5cc IM if patient has no recent inoculation (within 5 years)


• Do not inject local blocks


• Give 10 grain aspirin rectal suppository if not contraindicated


• To facilitate later anesthesia, give nothing by mouth


• Do not allow patient to smoke or use tobacco


• Send x-rays and ER records, including a baseline CBC


• Send EKG for patients over 35 years of age


• Please transport patient supine

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Care of Wound

• To guard against maceration, apply dry sterile sponges to wound and cover with bulky sterile dressing


• Splint injured extremity


• Elevate injured extremity

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Care of Amputated Part

Complete Amputation

• Wrap part in dry sterile gauze, then place in sterile dry container or dry plastic bag. (Do not use urine specimen container, as they leak.)


• Place container or bag on ice


• To prevent freezing, do not bury in ice


• Do Not Use Dry Ice


• Do Not Wet Amputated Part

Partial Amputation

• Apply dry sterile sponges to wound and cover with bulky sterile dressing


• Splint injured part


• Elevate extremity

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Transportation

Transportation arrangements by either helicopter or ambulance

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Contact Us

For further information or assistance, call:

(415) 600-3333 California Pacific Davies Campus Emergency Room

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