Hopefully, you will never have to endure a catastrophic injury. Unfortunately, getting badly hurt on commercial property, perhaps as a result of a malfunctioning escalator or elevator, could cause you to lose a part of your body in a traumatic amputation.
The idea of having a body part severed can be unpleasant to consider. Still, if you should suffer a severe injury due to the negligence of a property owner, you should know your prospects for avoiding the permanent loss of a body part.
What to do following an amputation
MedlinePlus explains that keeping the amputated part cool can help preserve it long enough for doctors to reattach it. Otherwise, the severed part may only have a window of 4 to 6 hours before it deteriorates too much for doctors to save.
Proper steps include placing the body part within a damp, clean cloth and then putting it inside a sealable plastic bag. From there, you should immerse the bag in a bath of ice water. Depositing your severed part directly in ice water could cause your part to experience frostbite. If you have no access to cool water, at least keep your body part away from heat.
Prioritize your health first
An injury that cuts off a part of your body could cause dangerous health complications, so be sure to take appropriate measures to preserve your life. You might even have to lie still and let other people tend to you until the paramedics arrive.
If your situation allows for it, doctors can reattach your body part. Still, you may require prolonged therapy to regain the use of your part and treat pain. In the event a negligent party caused your injuries, you might seek compensation for your medical bills.