Uploaded February 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
If you ever find yourself in the unfortunate position of taking care of an ear torn off the head (ie, car accident, industrial accident), otherwise known as an amputated ear, these are the steps that should be taken to maximize the chance that the ear can be reattached successfully.
First, some common mistakes to avoid!
Do NOT submerge the ear in water.
Additionally, do NOT place the amputated ear directly on ice either! If there is direct contact with ice, it could result in frostbite tissue damage and render the amputated part non-viable.
What should be done assuming you are not in a healthcare facility is to first quickly clean the ear with water from a faucet or water bottle if clean water is not easily accessible.
Next, wrap the ear in a clean cloth or gauze that is moistened with water or even better, normal saline. Then place the ear in a plastic bag which is then placed in cold water. Even better, would be cold water with ice in it.
Get to a hospital as quickly as possible!
Video created by Dr. Christopher Chang:
FauquierENT.net
Still haven’t subscribed to Fauquier ENT on YouTube? ►► bit.ly/35SazwA
#earamputation #amputatedear
If you ever find yourself in the unfortunate position of taking care of an ear torn off the head (ie, car accident, industrial accident), otherwise known as an amputated ear, these are the steps that should be taken to maximize the chance that the ear can be reattached successfully.
First, some common mistakes to avoid!
Do NOT submerge the ear in water.
Additionally, do NOT place the amputated ear directly on ice either! If there is direct contact with ice, it could result in frostbite tissue damage and render the amputated part non-viable.
What should be done assuming you are not in a healthcare facility is to first quickly clean the ear with water from a faucet or water bottle if clean water is not easily accessible.
Next, wrap the ear in a clean cloth or gauze that is moistened with water or even better, normal saline. Then place the ear in a plastic bag which is then placed in cold water. Even better, would be cold water with ice in it.
Get to a hospital as quickly as possible!
Video created by Dr. Christopher Chang:
FauquierENT.net
Still haven’t subscribed to Fauquier ENT on YouTube? ►► bit.ly/35SazwA
#earamputation #amputatedear
