TRENDING UP GETS THUMBS DOWN WHEN IT COMES TO SEVERING FINGERS Here are synopses of the seven Air Force mishaps that ended up in lost digits from Oct. 15 to Jan. 7 this fiscal year. Three of the seven happened in Air Education and Training Command. 1. Oct. 15: A 52-year-old civilian amputated his left ring finger while attempting to open a manhole cover with an unauthorized tool. The 200-pound cover fell on his hand. 2. Nov. 8: A 22-year-old airman first class severed his left index finger when he got it pinched between pieces of metal while disassembling an aircraft maintenance stand. 3. Nov. 16: A 28-year-old staff sergeant was riding a motorcycle when he rear-ended another motorcyclist who had to slam on his brakes after being cut off by another vehicle. The sergeant was ejected from the bike, severing two-thirds of his right thumb as he skidded along the asphalt. (AETC) 4. Dec. 19: A 26-year-old first lieutenant lacerated his right middle finger on the unguarded blade of a table saw. Doctor's later had to surgically amputate the damaged digit. (AETC) 5. Dec. 21: A 19-year-old airman first class crushed and severed his left middle fingertip while moving a large pallet on a non-Department of Defense aircraft. 6. Dec. 27: While trying to align a door that was binding, a 51-year-old civilian caught his left pinky finger between the door and wall, severing his fingertip. 7. Jan 7: A 24-year-old staff sergeant caught his right index finger in a vehicle winch, amputating the digit above the second knuckle. (AETC)