An amputation (severing) of a limb is handled somewhat differently than a heavily bleeding wound on a limb.

The amputation can be complete or partial. The amputation can be of a limb or a part of the hand or foot.

a. Complete Amputation.

In a complete amputation, the part of the limb below the amputation site is completely severed (cut off).

b. Partial Amputation.

In a partial (incomplete) amputation, the portion of the limb below the wound (site of the incomplete amputation) is almost completely severed from the body, but some skin tissue continues to connect the portion of the limb below the wound to the rest of the body.

c. Amputation of a Limb. The amputation of a limb exists when the amputation site is on the upper arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, thigh, knee, lower leg, or ankle.

d. Amputation of Part of a Hand or Foot.

An amputation of a part of the hand exists when the amputation site is below the wrist and does not involve the entire hand. An amputation of a part of the foot exists when the amputation site is below the ankle and does not involve the entire foot.