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Would you like to add information to this article? Interested in writing or submitting an article? Have a question about this article? Procedures for shop-floor medical emergencies Q.
I think you are right about waiting for EMTs. These people are trained in cardiac problems and other complications that can come from such an injury. A useful thing to keep in your first-aid kit is ice packages. They come in a format that all you have to do is smash them to activate the ice. This ice will keep dismembered fingers in better shape for later reattachment.
I agree about waiting for the pros. There are a number of things that can go wrong with such an injury, shock being one of the worst, in which case the injured person needs fluids via IV as quickly as possible. Do not put the severed part in water. The ice pack mentioned will do quite nicely to keep the part cool, not shriveled like a prune. Of course safety and respect for these machines is always the best way to avoid such occurrences.
I'm a paramedic. I am also a paramedic instructor. There are several things to discuss on this subject. The funny thing is, about 15 years ago, I lost the distal portion of my index finger in a press. So you could say, "Been there, done that!" I'll try to get to the point. First and foremost, you never place severed body parts directly on ice. The exposed tissue will suffer almost instant death when in contact with the ice. Ice is O.K., but you need to wrap the fingers (for instance) in gauze or a clean cloth, then place them on top of the ice. The blood vessels in your fingers are pretty small. Bleeding can easly be controlled with direct pressure. As far as shock, this isn't an issue. IVs in these cases are used more for the administration of pain medications than fluid introduction. Besides, IV fluids don't have the ability to carry oxygen. Only your own blood does (actually red blood cells). Injuries to great vessels will be quite bloody, but you can control even this type of bleeding with direct pressure. Tourniquets are a no-no. They cut off all blood supply beyond the tourniquet. You stop the bleeding alright, but the extremity dies. The most important thing you can do is keep the victim calm! Excitement will breed excitement. Calmness will breed calmness. I'm an avid woodworker myself. Being safe is job 1.
From the original questioner: Thanks for your input. I hope no one ever has to go through this but this is the real world. The statement that calm begets calm is excellent advice. Just having confidence that we know the right thing to do will help us maintain calm.
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