Cadaveric Prehospital Amputation: Which Reciprocating Saw Blade Offers the Most Efficient Amputation.

Objective: Field amputations are a low-frequency, high-risk procedure. Many prehospital personnel utilize the reciprocating saw. This study compares the efficiency, speed, and degree of tissue damage of different reciprocating saw blades found commercially.

Use of Knives and Multitools to Perform a Cadaveric Limb Amputation.

Background: An austere field amputation can be a life-saving procedure for an entrapped patient when standard equipment is not available or operable. The objective of this study was to use hand tools to perform cadaveric amputations in < 2 minutes.

Methods: Timed guillotine amputation of the extremities on three cadavers was attempted using four available hand tools: a multitool, a rescue tool, a hunting knife, and a fixedblade knife.

Orogastric tube placement during trauma arrest.

Misdirection of nasogastric tubes into the cranial cavity of trauma patients is a well-understood complication that has been well documented in the literature. As a result, recommendations have been established in the use of nasogastric tubes where trauma or suspected skull fractures are identified. Orogastric tube placement is also a commonly performed procedure during trauma resuscitation attempts and is often necessary during patient management.