A severed finger requires immediate and precise action for successful reattachment and recovery. The initial moments significantly influence the outcome. Understanding correct first aid can preserve the digit and ensure well-being until medical help arrives.
Immediate Care for the Injured Person
Prioritize the injured person’s safety and control bleeding. Gently rinse the injured area with clean water or sterile saline to remove dirt, avoiding scrubbing. If large debris is embedded, clean around it without attempting removal. Apply direct, firm pressure to the wound using a clean cloth, sterile gauze, or non-fluffy cloth to stop blood flow. Continue applying pressure until bleeding slows or stops, adding more layers if the initial dressing becomes soaked, rather than removing it.
Elevating the injured hand above the heart reduces bleeding and swelling by decreasing blood flow. While maintaining pressure and elevation, observe the injured person for signs of shock, such as pale, clammy skin, a rapid pulse, dizziness, or nausea. If these symptoms appear, lay the person down, elevate their feet slightly (if no other injuries), and keep them warm with a blanket. Reassuring the person calmly can also help manage their stress response.
Avoid using a tourniquet for a severed finger unless severe bleeding cannot be controlled by direct pressure and elevation. Improper application can cause further damage to tissues and nerves. If a tourniquet is necessary due to uncontrolled, life-threatening bleeding, apply it high and tight on the limb. This should ideally only be done by someone trained in its use.
Proper Handling of the Severed Digit
Once immediate care for the injured person is underway, focus on the careful handling and preservation of the severed finger, as this is important for reattachment. Gently rinse the amputated digit with clean water or sterile saline, avoiding harsh scrubbing or alcohol, which can damage delicate tissues. Do not attempt to clean it excessively or remove any attached tissue.
After a gentle rinse, wrap the severed finger in sterile gauze or a clean, damp cloth. This helps prevent the tissue from drying. Place the wrapped digit into a clean, sealed plastic bag, ensuring it is watertight.
Place this sealed bag into a larger container or another plastic bag filled with ice or an ice-water mixture. Keep the digit cool but not frozen; direct contact with ice can cause frostbite and irreversible tissue damage, compromising reattachment chances. Maintaining a cool temperature, ideally between 32°F and 50°F (0°C and 10°C), slows cellular metabolism and preserves tissue viability for several hours.
Seeking Emergency Medical Attention
After providing initial care and preserving the severed digit, seek emergency medical attention without delay. Immediately call emergency services (e.g., 911) for an ambulance. Provide clear information to dispatchers: exact location, nature of injury (severed finger), and first aid steps taken.
Prepare for the arrival of paramedics by ensuring the path to the injured person is clear and safe. If possible, gather relevant medical information (e.g., health conditions, medications) to share with responders. Upon arrival, inform the medical team about the injury time, bleeding control, and how the digit was handled and preserved. This information helps them prepare for transport and allows medical staff to anticipate necessary treatments for reattachment.
Transporting the injured person and preserved digit to a medical facility equipped for microvascular surgery is important. Time is a significant factor in reattachment success, with a window typically 6 to 12 hours for a properly cooled finger. Rapid transport ensures specialized surgeons can promptly assess the injury and digit’s viability, maximizing the opportunity for a positive outcome.