Table Saw Accident

February 5, 2023Woodbury Heights, NJReport 310164960 (Medical)

A table saw partially amputated a finger. The ETQ was in his pocket and he applied it one-handed.

  • Applied by Civilian
  • Self-applied
  • One-handed
  • Worked as expected
  • Survived

Reported source material

In the reporter's own words. Snakestaff has not edited, summarised or endorsed the statements below.

Hey guys, I wanted to reach out with a thank you. I cut my finger damn near off today, but I had one of your tourniquets in my pocket and was able to employ it one-handed. This cut down on [the] blood loss and everything that comes with [it].

EmailThe applicator, by email

27-year-old male to the ER with [a] wound to his left hand from a table saw. …[He] has [a] tourniquet [an ETQ] on his upper arm. …[N]o active bleeding at present.

Medical reportMedical report

Snakestaff Systems commentary

Our own analysis of this case.

Many digit injuries, even amputations, do not require a tourniquet as direct pressure often suffices. However, a TQ can assist the patient in reaching a higher level of care when direct pressure alone is insufficient.

In this case, the TQ should have been applied just above the wrist instead of the upper arm to avoid unnecessary vascular occlusion. Table saw injuries can leave hands severely mangled with protruding/sharp bone, making direct pressure difficult.

Case 01: Table Saw Accident