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Traumatic amputation — DipIMC MCQ

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EasyPre-Hospital Trauma ManagementTraumatic amputationDipIMC

A 32-year-old man has been hit by a train at low speed in a depot. He has traumatic amputation below the knee with a correctly applied tourniquet and no ongoing bleeding. What is the most appropriate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — Wrap the amputated part in saline-moistened gauze, bag it, and place the bag on ice

The amputated part should be protected from drying and freezing by wrapping in moist gauze, sealing in a bag and cooling indirectly. Direct contact with ice causes frost injury and may reduce reimplantation potential. Releasing an effective tourniquet risks major haemorrhage. The pearl is that care of the patient takes priority, but correct part preservation may affect reconstructive options.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines 2025; ATACC