If a finger or other body part is severed, they say to put it on ice to facilitate re-attachment later. Is direct contact with the ice OK, or should it be put into a bag first?
I really need this question answered FAST!!!
Just kidding. I read in a comic that direct contact with the ice damages the nerve endings, and I was wondering if there was any truth to that at all. Yes, it’s just a comic, no need to point that out, but it sounds plausible enough that it might be true.
You ideally want to put the severed part in a container or jar with a lid, and put that container on ice. Direct contact with ice or water can cause the body part to shrivel, making attachment difficult or impossible.
A Tupperware container for finger sandwiches would be appropriate, I’d say.
The Merck Manuals online medical library gives the following advice regarding Severed or Constricted Limbs or Digits:
[optional: Wrap it in a towel, gauze, or clean dressing], put in ziploc bag, place bag in ice/ice bath.
http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec24/ch299/ch299h.html doesn’t mention cloth
http://www.ambulance.qld.gov.au/communityservices/pdf/First_Aid_Hints_Book.pdf PDF–page 19 doesn’t mention cloth
http://www.worh.org/pdf_etc/fhpowerpoint/firstaid.ppt#268,13,Amputated limbs
http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Instruction/Health/FirstAidGuide.pdf PDF–page 10
Interesting, thanks. Let’s hope in the event I need this information, I won’t be too freaked out to remember it.