@article{ref1,
title=""Cut and run". Rapid life saving amputation using fire service hydraulic cutting equipment in entrapped trauma victims",
journal="Injury extra",
year="2010",
author="Robinson, Simon and McNicholas, M.j. and Polyzois, I. and Dunbar, I. and Payne, A.p. and Forrest, M.",
volume="41",
number="12",
pages="142-142",
abstract="Background: We investigated the potential to utilise fire service hydraulic cutting equipment to effect life saving amputations in entrapped trauma victims.Materials and methods: After a successful pilot study using four cadaveric porcine hind-leg models; three fresh frozen bequeathed cadaveric lower limb specimens each underwent five guillotine amputations using the hydraulic cutting equipment and conventional war surgical techniques. Video-documentation of each guillotine amputation was studied to define the: (i) number of cutting actions required to complete the amputations without the need for other cutting instruments, (ii) total time to achieve a completed amputation, (iii) quality of cut and (iv) proximal extent of fracture propagation.Results: Our study confirms that this equipment would enable extrication from immediately life threatening circumstances between two and seven times quicker than conventional amputation techniques.Conclusion: The equipment allows effective access to facilitate maximal stump length preservation and protects attending staff and the injured patient from the dangers of conventional amputation techniques in these difficult circumstances.Keywords: Life saving; Amputation; Hydraulic; Cutting; Equipment<p />",
language="",
issn="1572-3461",
doi="16/j.injury.2010.07.440",
url="http://dx.doi.org/16/j.injury.2010.07.440"
}