How to save a severed finger?
A severed finger can mean that all or part of a finger is amputated or cut off from the hand. A finger may be completely or only partially severed. Fingertips are extremely sensitive and comprise a lot of nerve endings. If a person does not receive prompt medical assistance after a finger is being cut off, the injury can result in long lasting or permanent difficulties with hand function.
First aid for severed finger
Dealing with the injury
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Lightly rinse the amputated area with water or a sterile saline solution.
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Gently cover the area in a moist gauze wrap or a dressing.
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Elevate the injured hand to reduce swelling and bleeding.
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Apply firm pressure to the bleeding area, but do not squeeze or tightly bandage the injured area as this can cut off blood flow completely.
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Keep the affected hand steady with a short splint.
Caring for the severed finger
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Do not remove any jewellery or clothing from the severed finger.
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Gently wash off the severed finger with water or sterile saline solution.
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Wrap the amputated part in a damp paper towel and place it in a sealed, watertight bag or container.
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Put the sealed bag into another sealed container on ice. Do not allow the severed part of the finger to touch the ice directly, as this could further damage it.
Note: Keep the severed finger cold without setting it directly on ice. Ice or a mixture of ice and water can be used. If ice is not available, keep it cold by putting the wrapped finger on a bag of frozen food or surround the bag in cold water if you can without getting the finger wet.
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Take the amputated part to the emergency room immediately. There, a healthcare professional can treat the wound and may be able to reattach the severed part of the finger depending on the severity.
Dealing with shock
Any kind of severe accident or injury can potentially cause an individual into a condition we refer to as shock. This may happen because the body’s cells do not receive enough oxygen-rich blood as a result of an illness or injury which is observed by cause sudden drop in your blood pressure very quickly.A person may experience shock after severing a finger, due to profuse bleeding .
Symptoms of shock may include:
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Fainting
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Rapid and shallow breathing
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Pale, cold, or clammy skin
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Excessive sweating
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Fast heart rate
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Nausea or vomiting
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Enlarged pupils
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Thirst
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Sweating
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Shivering
To assist someone who may be experiencing shock:
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Lay the person down
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Elevate the legs and feet slightly
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Keep the person still
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Cover the person with a blanket or coat
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Put slight but firm pressure over the bleeding area
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Turn the person onto their side to prevent choking if they’re vomiting
The most important thing is to get them to a hospital as soon as possible. Meanwhile do monitor a person experiencing shock very closely and try to, keep their body temperature warm.
If they stop breathing, a person who is trained with basic life support should perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Medically reviewed by Ashwini Nair, MB BCh BAO
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References:
1. Severed Finger: First Aid, Surgery, and Recovery. Healthline. Published November 1, 2018. Accessed June 6, 2022. https://www.healthline.com/health/severed-finger
2. Cut-off finger: First aid, treatment, and recovery. Published March 25, 2021. Accessed June 6, 2022. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cut-off-finger
