Physical Education

Amputations
Amputations (traumatic) are the non-surgical removal of the fingers, toes, hands, feet, arms, legs, and ears from the body. Bleeding is heavy and normally requires a tourniquet, to control the blood flow. There are three types of amputation:

1. Complete - Body part is completely torn off (severed).
2. Partial - More than 50% of the body part is torn off.
3. De-gloving - Skin and tissue are torn away from body part.

If the casualty has an amputation, do the following:

1. Establish and maintain the airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs).
2. Control bleeding with direct pressure, elevation, indirect pressure, or tourniquet only as a last resort, never remove or loosen a tourniquet once it has been applied.
3. Apply dressing to the stump with an ace wrap to replace direct pressure.
4. Treat for shock.
5. Request medical assistance immediately.