In May 2019, seven-year-old Rhys Pringles severed part of his pinky finger when, including the nail, he got it caught in a toilet door at Harestanes Primary School in Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire. The school staff failed to follow the correct first aid measure - thus, surgeons were unable to re-attach the finger.
About 30,000 children suffer serious door-related finger injuries every year. Though most of these finger trapping accidents can be easily prevented with door finger guards in place - when such an unfortunate event does occur, it is important to know what to do next. Refer to this guide on helping a child who has trapped their finger in a closing door:
Severed Finger
While most finger trap injuries are minor, in some extreme circumstances, they can cause the finger or fingertip to sever. When a finger is severed, emergency medical treatment must be sought immediately. If you take the severed finger to the hospital with the child, surgeons may be able to re-attach it
What to do if you find the severed digit?
Wash the finger with water or sterile saline.
Cover it in damp gauze wrap or clean damp cloth.
Put in a clean, waterproof bag and place onto the ice.
Breaks and Fractures
In most door-related finger accidents, the injury caused will result in a broken or fractured finger. This injury can be easily identified as the broken finger will look bruised or deformed. Broken or dislocated fingers can be extremely painful, so it is important that you handle the injured area delicately.
Also, remember that if the bone protrudes the skin, it is best you let a medical professional handle the injury in order to avoid the risk of sustaining any further damage. In the meantime, you can do a couple of things to help, such as:
Making a temporary splint using a pen or pencil and strapping it to the finger to stabilise it.
Indirectly applying ice (wrapped in a cloth or a tea towel) to the injured area to reduce swelling and pain.
Sprains and Strains
When a child traps their finger in a closing door, it is always best to consult a medical professional - whether this is through your local MIU (Minor Injuries Unit) or A&E (Accident & Emergency) department. However, sprains and strains resulting from a finger trapping injuring, although painful, are nothing to be concerned about. That said, you can apply ice wrapped in a cloth or tea towel to the injured area to reduce pain and swelling.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
Injuries that occur when a finger is caught between a closing door can be extremely painful and traumatising. However, finger entrapment injuries on the hinged edge of doors can always be prevented with the use of door finger protectors. Finger guards are simple and easy to install, as they come with fixings and fitting instructions. They also work with most conventional framed doors including timber, metal and PVCu – as well as doors which open to 180 degrees.