If you lose an arm or leg in an explosion, what's the best way to treat the injury until help arrives?

Traumatic amputation: Traumatic amputations occur during high energy trauma. A tourniquet should be applied as soon as possible, such as a belt or thin piece of fabric and tied tight enough to stop as much bleeding as possible. At that point pressure should be applied to stop bleeding if possible. The body will go into hypovolemic shock due to blood loss. Elevate the injured extremity if possible and rapidly seek care.

Control the bleeding: An Injury resulting in loss of an extremity may result in excessive blood loss. Try to stay calm and keep patient calm. I would recommend applying direct pressure with a towel and also elevation of limb to control the bleeding. If bleeding is difficult to control, a tourniquet may be applied to help gain control. Try to keep area as clean as possible. Save severed body part if possible.

Direct Pressure: Or tourniquet applied 2" above severed portion of the limb

Stop the bleeding: Stoping the bleeding is the most important priority. A tourniquet should be applied to the area and the bleeding stopped. Then you can concentrate on calling for assistance. Hope this helps.

Tourniquet- pressure: Slowing down life threatening blood loss is the #1 goal, so applying a tourniquet or at least applying firm pressure broadly to the exsanguinating injured limb is paramount to saving the life of the injured person.

Assess & manage risk: Determine the risks: 1. Are you still in danger: Take cover. 2. Is help available: recruit if you can 3. Is the victim bleeding out: Stop bleeding. 4. Is the victim breathing/conscious: assess vitals and perform CPR as necessary. 5. How far is help? Assess communication & transportation of all involved. Then determine whether you need to manage food, water & medications. Read more online...

Stop the bleeding: A severed limb will tear large arteries and cause massive blood loss. The best way to slow the blood loss is with a tourniquet.

Bleeding control: Bleeding leads to Blood Pressure drop. The vessels spasm as the gush slows. If one can keep conscious and overcome the emotions, applying immediate pressure on the bleeding vessels is life saving. A bystander could sit on the extremity while a belt is tightly applied just above the transection.

Tourniquet if needed: Be sure you know how to do this. If bleeding cannot be stopped by pressure, the tourniquet will require a winch mechanism of some sort.