Topic Overview

Amputation is the removal of a body part. This can be done by a health professional in a hospital setting, such as when a foot must be amputated because of diabetes complications. But amputation may also happen during an accident.

An amputation may be complete (the body part is completely removed or cut off) or partial (much of the body part is cut off, but it remains attached to the rest of the body).

In some cases amputated parts can be successfully reattached. The success of the reattachment depends on:

• What body part was amputated.
• The condition of the amputated part.
• The time since the amputation and receiving medical care.
• The general health of the injured person.

What to do

If you witness an amputation:

• Call a health professional or emergency services.
• Stop the bleeding. A complete amputation may not bleed very much. The cut blood vessels may spasm, pull back into the injured part, and shrink. This slows or stops the bleeding. If there is bleeding, do the following:
  • If available, wash your hands with soap and water and put on latex gloves. If gloves are not available, use many layers of clean cloth, plastic bags, or the cleanest material available between your hands and the wound.
  • Have the injured person lie down and elevate the site that is bleeding.
  • Remove any visible objects in the wound that are easy to remove, and remove or cut clothing from around the wound.
  • Apply steady direct pressure for a full 15 minutes. If blood soaks through the cloth, apply another one without lifting the first. If there is an object in the wound, apply pressure around the object, not directly over it.
  • If moderate to severe bleeding has not slowed or stopped, continue direct pressure while getting help. Do all you can to keep the wound clean and avoid further injury to the area.
  • Mild bleeding usually stops on its own or slows to an ooze or trickle after 15 minutes of pressure. It may ooze or trickle for up to 45 minutes. Use the Check Your Symptoms section to determine your next steps.
• Check and treat for shock. The trauma of the accident or severe blood loss can cause the person to go into physiologic shock. Signs of physiologic shock include:
  • Passing out (losing consciousness).
  • Feeling very dizzy or lightheaded, like the person may pass out.
  • Feeling very weak or having trouble standing up.
  • Being less alert. The person may suddenly be unable to respond to questions, or he or she may be confused, restless, or fearful.
• Emotional stress from the event may cause symptoms such as lightheadedness or fainting. This is sometimes called "emotional shock." Lightheadedness and fainting from emotional stress may be confused with physiologic shock.