Emergency

Amputation

For a severed body part, control the bleeding with firm pressure, call 999, and wrap the amputated part in a plastic bag placed on ice.

When to call 999. Call 999 immediately for any amputation of a body part. Controlling the bleeding to save the person’s life comes first, before dealing with the severed part.

Written by Meds Global Health Clinical Team · Clinically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS, Founder & Clinical Director · Last reviewed · How we review

What to do

  1. Call 999 immediately.
  2. Control the bleeding: apply firm, direct pressure to the wound with a clean pad and raise the injured part if possible.
  3. If bleeding is life-threatening and cannot be controlled by pressure, a tourniquet may be needed — use one only if trained and available.
  4. Treat the person for shock: help them lie down, keep them warm and reassured.
  5. Wrap the amputated part in clean cling film or a plastic bag, then place that bag inside another bag or cloth containing ice.
  6. Do not let the severed part touch the ice directly, and send it to hospital with the person, labelled with the time of injury.

Avoid

What not to do

Do not put the amputated part directly on ice or in water, do not wash it, and do not delay dealing with the bleeding to look after the severed part — the person’s life comes first. Do not use a tourniquet unless bleeding cannot be controlled any other way.

Afterwards and while you wait

Keep pressure on the wound, keep the person warm and treat for shock while waiting. Ensure the severed part goes to hospital protected from direct ice contact, as this gives surgeons the best chance of reattaching it. Note the exact time of the injury.

Education and reference only. This is general first-aid information aligned with UK guidance, not a substitute for a hands-on first-aid course or professional emergency care. In a life-threatening emergency, call 999 straight away.

Answers

Amputation: frequently asked questions

How should the amputated part be stored?

Wrap it in cling film or a plastic bag to keep it clean and dry, then place that inside another bag surrounded by ice. It must not touch the ice directly or get wet, and it should go to hospital with the person.

What is most important in an amputation?

Stopping the bleeding and treating the person comes first — this is what saves their life. Caring for the severed part is important for possible reattachment, but secondary to controlling blood loss.

Related

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Sources

Where this is drawn from

  • NHS — first aid
  • St John Ambulance / British Red Cross first-aid guidance
  • Resuscitation Council UK (where relevant)

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