Anderson Deputy Loses Portion of Finger in Fight

An Anderson County Sheriff's deputy lost part of a finger during an altercation with a man at a bar.

WYFF4 reports that the deputy, who was working extra duty at the bar, approached Brian Ashley Gilbert after waitresses told him Gilbert was touching them inappropriately.

Gilbert allegedly attacked the deputy after being told to pay his bill and leave. He allegedly bit the deputy's pinky finger, causing permanent damage.

Gilbert is charged with assault and battery and public disorderly conduct, WYFF4 reports.

It's not something we like to think about, but accidents happen, and we could be short a finger, toe or limb in a split-second.

According to CNN Health, many people have no idea what to do when such accidents happen – and every second counts.

Many people think that the first thing to do is to put the severed finger or toe directly on ice, but that may actual make the situation worse, surgeons say.

Here's what the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says to do if you lose a fingertip

If a fingertip is completely cut off:

• Gently clean the amputated part with water (preferably saline)

• Cover it in gauze wrap

• Put it in a watertight bag

• Place the bag on ice

• Do not put the amputated part directly in ice. You could further damage it.

Take the amputated part with you to the emergency room.

If an accident or trauma results in complete amputation (the body part is totally severed), the part sometimes can be reattached, especially when proper care is taken of the severed part and stump, according to the National Institutes of Health.

The National Institutes of Health and National Library of Medicine has more information on the first steps to take at the scene of an accident involving a severed body part.

Call 911 or emergency personnel immediately.

Check the person's airway (open if necessary); check breathing and circulation. If necessary, begin rescue breathing, CPR, or bleeding control.

1. Try to calm and reassure the person as much as possible. Amputation is painful and extremely frightening.

2. Control bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound. Raise the injured area. If the bleeding continues, recheck the source of the bleeding and reapply direct pressure, with help from someone who is not tired. If the person has life-threatening bleeding, a tight bandage or tourniquet will be easier to use than direct pressure on the wound. However, using a tight bandage for a long time may do more harm than good.

3. Save any severed body parts and make sure they stay with the patient. Remove any dirty material that can contaminate the wound, if possible. Gently rinse the body part if the cut end is dirty.

4. Wrap the severed part in a clean, damp cloth, place it in a sealed plastic bag and place the bag in ice cold water.

5. Do NOT directly put the body part in water without using a plastic bag.

Remember that saving the person's life is more important that saving the injured body part. Do not overlook less obvious injuries by focusing too much on the amputation.

The NIH and NLM also urges those giving aid to not give the victim any false hope that the body part can be reattached.

Do NOT attempt to push any part back into place. Do NOT place a tourniquet, unless the bleeding is life threatening, as the entire limb may be harmed.