First Aid Tips - Burns

Tissue injury resulting from excessive exposure to:

• Heat
• Chemical
• Electrical
• Radioactive agents.

Depending upon the type, duration and intensity of agent and the site and depth of burns, the effects may vary.

Effects can be :

• Local OR Systemic
  • Localized to the effected site
  • Respiratory burns
  • Multiple - organ involvement.

• Identify the agent
  • Treatment varies according to agent.
• Skin
  • Red
  • Blistered
• Pain
• In severe cases
  • Dark red, charred.

1. The affected area should be immediately kept under cold running water for 10 mins
   • Has cooling affects
   • Dissipates the localized high heat and reduces further burns.
2. Clothing and jewellery including rings should be removed.
3. Burnt area should be covered with sterile, non-fluffy dressing / cling film.
4. Chemical burns need prolonged washing.
5. Monitor respiration and pulse as patient invariably goes into Shock.
   

Do not :

1. Burst skin blisters.
2. Remove skin.
3. Apply creams, lotions on the burns.
4. Make the patient move unless you need to for treatment.
5. Waste time, as burns can result into death.
6. Feed by mouth - liquid or solids.