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Warning-sign checks

Traumatic amputation: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    A new traumatic amputation is always an emergency.

    Call emergency services immediately.

    Control severe bleeding if it is safe to do so, and do not drive yourself if you are injured.

    Seek emergency help for:

    • Bleeding that is heavy, spurting, or not controlled by firm pressure
    • Fainting, confusion, severe weakness, or trouble breathing
    • A partly detached body part that becomes pale, blue, cold, or numb
    • Rapidly worsening swelling or pain after surgery
    • Chest pain or sudden shortness of breath during recovery
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact your surgical or rehabilitation team promptly for fever, spreading redness, pus, a bad smell, wound opening, or new dark tissue.

    These can be signs of infection or poor blood supply.

    Seek urgent mental health support if you feel unable to keep yourself safe.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up for ongoing phantom pain, repeated skin sores, prosthetic fit problems, reduced mobility, sleep problems, or persistent low mood and anxiety.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Traumatic amputation. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.