How to preserve a severed body part before getting to the hospital

The call was quite calm, not until late at night when a patient rushed into the ER (emergency room) her dress stained with blood , the right side of the ear was dripping blood. A closer look at the right side of the head showed that a part of the ear was missing.

The following conversation took place

Doctor; What happened to you? 

Patient; Somebody bit off my ear

Doctor : Where you attacked in the street or what ? What really happened? 

Patient: Please put back my ear,see it ,

She opened her hands and there was the missing part of the ear. A closer look at the part of the ear showed it was already dead.

I just want to highlight what we should do in case we find ourselves in such a situation. We pray we don't find ourselves in such a situation. It could be any part of the body like ; the limb, finger, teeth, eyes, penis,ears, 

It could be seen in truamatic injuries like in road accidents, industries where they operate very sharp machines, loosing ones teeth could be in contact sports or even when engaged in a brawl.It can also occur when maimed by an animal or even self mutilation.

Do the following for a detached finger or toe

• The first thing you want to do is to control bleeding by applying pressure on the affected part. Next is  to elevate the affected part above the level of the heart. 
• Rinse off the severed finger or toe with water(preferably saline) to reduce contaminants . please do not scrub.
• Wrap the part in a clean damp sterile guaze or cloth.
• Put the wrapped finger or toe in a water tight plastic bag and put  the bag in ice water. Please do not freeze and the ice should not have direct contact with the severed part.
• This can keep the severed part viable till you get to the hospital.
• A call should be put across to the hospital so that they can prepare for the surgery and reattach the part once you arrive. Every second counts in this type of case.

For the teeth

• Rinse the teeth and put it back in the socket. Bite down to be sure is put in correctly and it should feel normal.
• You can also place the tooth between your gum and the cheek or under the tongue.
• Get to the dentist or ER as quickly as possible. 

Safety Tips

1. Please avoid getting into a fight,
2. Wear your seat belts, avoid over speeding and 
3. Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol 
4. For partners try and be faithful to each other. We have seen cases where their partners sliced off their penises.
5.  Depression can lead to  alot of things please seek help from a specialist. 
6. Always adhere to the instructions when you visit a zoo.
7. Wear safety helmets and protective covering in industries

Stay away from trouble and stay healthy. Feel free to contribute to the post. 

Thanks for visiting.