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#AskPracMed – I’ve partially amputated a finger — what do I do?

A partial finger amputation is serious but manageable. Control the bleeding first using direct pressure — in most cases a tourniquet is not required, though a simple rubber band can help if there is arterial involvement.

Once bleeding is controlled, stabilise the finger to prevent further damage and unnecessary movement. A finger-sized SAM splint moulded to a slight U-curve works well for this.  Wrap it in place with a bandage and get the person to hospital.

The goal is to protect what’s there and give the surgical team the best possible chance of saving the finger.

Shop SAM splints,  bleeding control supplies and kits 

Sam Splint finger

SAM® Splint – Finger

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Simon Carkeek

Simon is a former NZDF Recon Operator and Patrol Commander with over a decade of service, including two deployments to Afghanistan, Solomon Islands peacekeeping, and humanitarian and disaster relief operations in Indonesia following the 2004 tsunami. Domestically, he responded to the Christchurch earthquakes and the Scotts Ferry floods. After service, Simon spent nearly five years in private contracting across Asia Pacific and the Middle East — working as a PSD Team Medic, Site Security Manager, and setting up medical clinics in austere environments where the nearest hospital was a long way away. He's a former action guy and a self-described meatball medic. He founded PracMed NZ because most first aid training wasn't preparing people for real emergencies. It still isn't, everywhere else.