Julia Naftulin : Health.com
After Lindsay Lohan’s close call, an ER doc explains the steps to take if you find yourself in a similar situation, including how to stop the bleeding and pack the detached part on ice.
During Lindsay Lohan’s boat trip off the coast of Turkey on Sunday, an unexpected and frightening incident occurred. As she attempted to pull up the boat’s anchor, TMZ reported that she became entangled in the rope, resulting in her being forcefully pulled into the water. In her struggle to free herself and return to the boat, a portion of her finger was severed.
Fortunately, Lohan’s friends managed to locate the detached piece of her injured finger. Subsequently, a surgeon was able to repair the damage, as she later shared on Snapchat.
While Lohan’s accident is uncommon, the possibility of losing a finger or part of one is not entirely far-fetched. In light of this distressing situation, we sought advice from ER doc Melisa Lai-Becker, MD, to understand what steps to take.
The first step?
Remain calm. (Ha.) “Typically, there’s not as much blood coming out of that area as people think,” says Dr. Lai-Becker, who is chief of the Whidden Hospital Emergency Department in Everett, Massachusetts. “That’s because the tiny arteries in your fingers begin to heal themselves quickly.”
Step two: (Lindsay Lohanss)
After a wound occurs, it’s important to take immediate action. Grab a towel or t-shirt and wrap it around the wound, applying pressure to stop excess bleeding. Once this is done, find a seat and dial 911 to seek professional assistance.
Upon reaching the emergency room, a doctor will likely clean the wound and prescribe necessary antibiotics to prevent infection. At this stage, the medical experts will assess the damage and determine the most suitable approach for repairing it.
Losing a finger or part of one can be a traumatic experience, but knowing what steps to take in such a situation can make a significant difference. Here’s a detailed guide on what to do if you find yourself in this unfortunate circumstance:
- Stay Calm: It’s essential to remain as calm as possible. Panicking can interfere with clear thinking and hinder effective decision-making.
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Control Bleeding: Apply pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or towel. Elevate the injured hand or finger above the level of the heart, if feasible, to help reduce bleeding.
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Locate the Missing Part: If the severed part is available, carefully collect it without causing further harm. Handle it gently and avoid touching the exposed tissue.
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Rinse and Protect: Rinse the severed part with clean water if it is dirty, but do not scrub or use any disinfectants. Place it in a clean plastic bag or container and submerge it in a container of cool water or ice. Avoid direct contact between the severed part and ice to prevent frostbite. Lindsay Lohanss.
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Seek Medical Help: Call emergency services or go to the nearest hospital immediately. Time is of the essence, as prompt medical attention can increase the chances of successful reattachment.
6. Preserve the Amputated Part:
Inform the medical professionals about the severed part and present it to them for assessment and possible reattachment. They will determine if reattachment is feasible based on various factors.
- Follow Medical Advice: Cooperate with the healthcare professionals and follow their instructions carefully. They will clean and dress the wound, provide pain relief if necessary, and advise on further treatment options. Lindsay Lohanss.
Remember, every situation is unique, and the guidance provided here is general. Consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice is crucial in cases of severe injuries like finger amputations.
