On 13/1, Doctor of Second Degree Specialist Bui Van Phuc, Deputy Head of the Upper Limb Surgery Department, stated that the on-duty team received the patient one hour after the accident. The victim arrived at the hospital with the heavy meat grinder still firmly attached to his hand, experiencing intense pain, and his fingers were completely crushed.

The medical team determined the crushing injury was too severe, posing a high risk of infection and blood loss, with no possibility of salvaging the limb. They decided to disarticulate the wrist to separate the limb from the machine. A deeper evaluation revealed that the soft tissue and muscle in the forearm were also crushed and non-viable, compelling doctors to amputate the upper one-third of the left forearm. The patient's health is currently stable, the stump is dry, and there are no signs of infection.

Doctors at Military Hospital 175 operating on the patient. *Photo: Quynh Tran*

The accident occurred earlier at the pork processing workshop where the patient was employed. During the cleaning process, the worker inadvertently left the machine operating, causing his hand to slip into the grinding chamber. Although those nearby quickly cut the power, the powerful suction of the helical shaft continued to pull his arm deep into the machine's body.

According to Doctor Phuc, workplace accidents involving meat grinders and presses often result in severe consequences, leading to permanent disabilities. He advises workers to strictly adhere to safety regulations: completely disconnect the power supply before cleaning or repairing industrial machinery, and avoid direct manual operation while the machine is running.

By Le Phuong