Page 111 - Participant Manual

object and seek medical care. Remember
to monitor the person for signs and symptoms
of shock.
A small partially embedded object, such as
a splinter, can usually be removed using first
aid techniques; however, medical care should
be sought if the splinter is deep, completely
embedded in the skin, or located under the nail
or in the eye. To remove a simple shallow splinter,
grasp the end of the splinter with clean tweezers
and pull it out. Then provide care as you would for
any minor open wound.

Traumatic Amputations

Traumatic amputation is the loss of a body part as a result of an injury. Common causes of traumatic
amputations include injuries involving power tools, farming or manufacturing equipment; motor-vehicle
collisions; explosions and natural disasters. In a traumatic amputation, the body part might be severed cleanly
from the body or ripped away as a result of being subjected to violent tearing or twisting forces. Crushing
forces can also result in mangled tissue and traumatic amputations. The body part may be completely
detached from the body, or it may still be partially attached. Bleeding may be minimal or severe, depending on
the location and nature of the injury.
When a person has experienced a traumatic amputation, call 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number. If the
body part is completely detached from the body, try to locate it because surgeons may be able to reattach it.
Wrap the amputated body part in sterile gauze or other clean material. Put the wrapped body part in a plastic
bag and seal the bag. Keep the bag containing the body part cool by placing it in a larger bag or container filled
with a mixture of ice and water. Do not place the bag containing the body part directly on ice or dry ice. Give the
bag containing the body part to EMS personnel so that it can be taken to the hospital along with the person.

Burns

A burn is a traumatic injury to the skin (and sometimes the underlying tissues as well) caused by contact with
extreme heat, chemicals, radiation or electricity (Figure 6-3).

© 2011, 2016 The American National Red Cross. All rights reserved.

A B

C D

Figure 6-3. Causes of burns include extreme heat (A),
chemicals (B), radiation (C) and electricity (D).

Chapter 6 Traumatic Injuries | 102 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual Chapter 6 Traumatic Injuries | 103 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual