How to Save a Finger After Accidental Amputation

The famous silent film star Harold Lloyd lost several fingers in an explosion in 1919 and wore a prosthetic glove the rest of his acting career. Medicine has made great advances since then and now one does not have to live without a digit if lost traumatically. Instead, use these instructions to save a traumatically amputated finger.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic baggie
• Crushed ice or ice water
• Container

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Instructions

• 1

  Remain calm. Keeping a cool head makes the difference between permanent loss and temporary injury. Although it isn't possible to reattach every amputation, panic wastes precious time, and time is of the essence when saving a digit.

• 2

  Stop bleeding with direct pressure. Apply a clean cloth to the amputation. Hold the hand above the heart to lessen the blood flow.

• 3

  Find the missing finger immediately. Get a plastic baggie and put the finger inside, sealing it shut. Do not submerge the finger directly into ice or any liquid as it can cause tissue damage and make reattachment more difficult. Have someone with a strong stomach (a tolerance for these sorts of things) help out if possible.

• 4

  Place the baggie in a container filled with crushed ice or ice water to preserve the tissue and slow down deterioration. Use anything handy; even a large fast food restaurant drink cup works in a pinch since the finger is protected by the baggie.

• 5

  Seek immediate medical attention. Get someone to drive the injured person to the hospital or call an ambulance if no one is available to drive. The emergency room physician will assess the injury and attach the amputated finger if possible.