A 45-year-old male has arrived at the emergency department after a workplace accident resulting in the amputation of his right index finger. The EMS team has brought the amputated part wrapped in gauze. What is the most appropriate next step for preserving the amputated part?
Immerse the amputated finger directly in an ice water bath immediately upon arrival to the emergency department.
Wrap the amputated part in moist gauze, seal it in a watertight bag, and place it on a bed of ice without direct contact with ice.
Leave the amputated part at room temperature while attending to the patient's other injuries.
Place the amputated part directly into a bowl filled with ice to ensure rapid cooling.