Information for Emergency Room Physicians

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 Information

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

Back to top

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

Back to top

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

Back to top

Transportation

• Transportation arrangements by either helicopter or ambulance

Back to top

Contact Information

For further information or assistance, call:

• (415) 600-0600 California Pacific Davies Campus Emergency Room

Back to top