Act Calmly, Quickly

Smashed fingertips--and even complete amputations of the tip--are common childhood accidents, according to pediatricians and emergency room personnel who have to sew them back on.

In many cases, there is little or no lasting damage if the children are treated promptly, says North Hollywood pediatrician Dr. Marilyn Lange. Children have such regenerative healing powers that even smashed bones in the fingertip often grow back. Sometimes, says Lange, tissue is so damaged and destroyed that it has to be cut away. So doctors sew back what they can, and new skin and tissue grow around to replace and fill in the old.

But parents need to be aware of certain precautions in case of such accidents. First of all, stay calm. A hysterical parent will only make a child feel more traumatized.

If a fingertip has been severed completely, it’s crucial to find it and put it in a sterile container (a clean glass jar from the dishwasher, for instance) filled with saline solution, if possible. Lange says never put the amputated tissue in water, as the liquid will cause the cells to expand.

If the fingertip is mangled but still attached, it’s a good idea to apply a sterile bandage, but even more important to stop the bleeding by holding the hand above the heart. Lange says direct pressure should be applied only for arterial bleeding; it’s not necessary to apply direct pressure to stop venous bleeding such as the kind in a fingertip.

Then get to a hospital emergency room as quickly and safely as possible.