AMPUTATION
AMPUTACIJA
Amputations are injuries in which a part of the body separates. These injuries are serious and potentially life-threatening.
The amputated part of the body, depending on the injury, can sometimes be joined (replanted). The success of replantation depends on adequate first aid and speed of transport to the appropriate health facility. Under optimal conditions, amputated fingers can be replanted no later than 20 hours, and larger body parts up to 6 hours. FIRST AID FOR AMPUTATION
Before approaching the injured person, it is necessary to check whether the place is safe, both for the rescuers and for the injured person. If this is not the case, make the place safe. Be careful not to become a victim! You must have gloves to start providing first aid.
Remember! Your safety comes first!
Once you have secured the scene of the accident, created safe conditions for first aid, you can approach the victim. The first thing you do is check the ABC:
⦁ A - airway (whether the airway is open);
⦁ B - breathing (whether the patient is breathing);
⦁ C - circulation (whether pulse is present).
When you have checked the ABC, call 124 or if there is another lifeguard, ask him to do so. When you call 124, it is very important that you explain to the dispatcher what happened and what the injury was. The dispatcher will give you basic instructions on how to proceed. It is very important that you do not disconnect, that you stay in constant contact with the dispatcher.
If the casualty is unconscious, pulse and breathing, start CPR!
In the case of a conscious casualty, we begin by providing first aid.
Amputations usually do not cause major bleeding due to the contraction of blood vessels, although they can sometimes be abundant.
Keep the wound as clean as possible. If there is a foreign body, do not remove it and wrap it in sterile gauze.
We stop the bleeding by covering the wound with sterile gauze and applying pressure to the wound evenly, securing it with a bandage. Place the injured limb in a slightly elevated position. If necessary, perform immobilization. The hanging is done exclusively in case of extremely heavy bleeding, when it represents a danger to the life of the injured person.
Place the casualty in a comfortable position, warm him and calm him down as much as possible. Don't let him eat or drink.
DISPOSAL OF THE AMPUTED BODY PART
Wrap the amputated body part in sterile gauze and place in a plastic bag. Put that bag in another filling with water and ice cubes. The best temperature is from 0 to + 4 ° C. Be sure to write down the time of the injury!
When you have taken care of the injured and amputated part of the body, it is very important that the injured person is transported to the appropriate institution as soon as possible, where it is possible to perform this type of operation. Thus, adequate first aid and transport time are key factors for successful replantation.
If you are far from the HMP, in a remote area, do not waste time waiting for the HMP team. If possible, place the injured person in the car in as comfortable a position as possible, warm him, calm him down and, in coordination with the dispatcher, start the transport to meet the HMP team.
Remember!
The injured person needs to be calmed down, but never given false hope when it comes to replanting a part of the body.
It is very important that you never put the amputated part of the body back in its place.
Život povrijeđenog je važniji od amputiranog dijela tijela!