For traumatic amputations, for the best possible result involving reattachment of that limb, EMS personnel should bag or cover the limb in an airtight occlusive dressing or bag. Once this is done, it should be placed in a container of Ice. The reason you do not want to put the amputate limb straight up on ice or water, is the fact that because of the lack of blood flow, it's technically a piece of meat subject to "freezer burn".
