Ridgewood NJ Firefighters Help Remove Stuck Ring — Plus Expert Tips to Safely Remove a Ring from a Swollen Finger

photo courtesy of Ridgewood Professional Firefighters FMBA Local 47

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood, NJ — The Ridgewood Professional Firefighters FMBA Local 47 proved once again that they’re ready to help with any emergency — big or small.

Earlier today, a local resident walked into Ridgewood Fire Headquarters asking for help with a ring stuck on a swollen finger. Firefighter Matt Bombace, with assistance from fellow on-duty firefighters, successfully removed the rings from the grateful visitor’s finger.

The department reminded residents: “We are always ready to help however we can!”

A ring stuck on your finger may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can also become dangerous if not addressed quickly. Below, we share firefighter-approved methods and medical tips to safely remove a stuck ring — and when to get professional help.

🔍 Why Rings Get Stuck on Fingers

Rings can get stuck for several reasons, including:

• Wearing a ring that’s too small

• Swelling from injury, trauma, or arthritis

• Fluid retention from diet or health conditions (such as kidney disease or thyroid issues)

• Enlarged knuckles over time

🛠 How to Remove a Stuck Ring — Step-by-Step

1. Twist and Pull (Gently)

Hold the ring, gently twist it back and forth, and slowly pull. Avoid yanking — this can increase swelling.

2. Use Windex

The American Society for Surgery of the Hand recommends spraying Windex on your ring and finger, then gently sliding the ring off.

3. Lubricate the Finger

Apply a slippery substance to help the ring slide off:

• Petroleum jelly

• Dish soap

• Coconut or baby oil

• Hand lotion

• Cooking spray or butter

4. Reduce Swelling with the RICE Method

• Rest your hand

• Immerse your finger in ice water for 10 minutes

• Keep your hand elevated above your heart

• Apply gentle compression above the ring and try removal again

5. Wrap It Off (Dental Floss Method)

From Harvard Medical School: Wrap dental floss tightly above the ring, then unwind it starting at the end closest to the ring. The pressure should help the ring slide off.

6. Cut It Off

If nothing works, use a ring cutter. Many fire departments, jewelers, and ERs have the tool and can safely remove your ring without harming your finger.

🚑 When to Get Medical Help Immediately

Seek professional help if:

• Your finger is severely swollen or discolored

• You have numbness or loss of feeling

• There’s an open wound or injury

These can be signs of a circulation emergency, where the ring acts like a tourniquet, risking permanent damage.

💍 Preventing Future Stuck Ring Emergencies

Once the ring is off, consider ring resizing. A jeweler can enlarge gold, platinum, or silver rings so they fit comfortably. Rings made of stainless steel or titanium usually cannot be resized.

✅ The Takeaway

If you can’t remove a stuck ring, don’t wait too long — swelling can worsen quickly. Try safe home methods first, but if there’s pain, numbness, or discoloration, visit your local fire department, jeweler, or doctor immediately.

And if you’re in Ridgewood, NJ, know that FMBA Local 47 firefighters are always ready to lend a hand — whether it’s putting out a fire or saving a finger.

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