For all your prehospital amputation needs!
Auckland HEMS has recently added a Gigli saw to the medical pack in case a patient requires prehospital amputation. Fortunately the team has not yet been required to perform this procedure. Anecdotally, prehospital amputations that have been performed by paramedic staffed EMS in the Auckland area in recent years have involved near-total amputation due to injury itself, with limbs attached with minimal skin or soft tissue.
EMJ published an excellent review article of the procedure in 2010, which covers indications, contraindications, and technique. Click HERE for the full pdf (secure area limited to ADHB staff, who have access to this journal via the Philson Library at the University of Auckland School of Medicine)
The Medical College of Wisconsin has produced 3 educational videos, and made available a field manual for physicians who provide assistance to fire crews and EMS in the field.
Click HERE for a brief case report…
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Prehospital and Retrieval Medicine - THE PHARM dedicated to the memory of Dr John Hinds 