VIETNAM Vietnamese man was attacked by an unknown assailant with a machete. The attacker surprised him while he was eating noodles, severed his hand with a single swing, and fled the scene. All evidence indicates that it was an act of personal revenge.
If the man receives care from an experienced medical team, there is a high likelihood that the hand can be reattached. Compared to hands severed in accidents or due to improper handling of pyrotechnics, reattaching a clean cut is almost always possible.
First aid in cases of traumatic limb amputation involves stopping the bleeding. Ideally, apply pressure to the wound or use a tourniquet. Of course, calling emergency services is essential. Place the severed limb in a waterproof bag and put the bag on ice or in cold water. The ice or water must not come into direct contact with the limb.
