First Aid for Burns and Scalds
BURNS are caused by contact with flame, hot objects, chemicals, electrocution, radiated heat, frozen surfaces, friction or radiation.
SCALDS are caused by contact with boiling fluids or steam, the results of either injury are disfigurement, scarring and severe pain.
As with most potentially serious injuries, prevention is better than cure.
Burns are classified as either
SUPERFICIAL - reddening (like sunburn), outer layer of skin only
PARTIAL THICKNESS - blistering, damage to deeper layers of skin
FULL THICKNESS - whitish or blackened areas, damage to all layers of skin, plus underlying structures and tissues The severity of burns is dependent on certain factors such as; the age of the casualty, the depth of the burns, the part of the body burnt and the area affected.
SYMPTOMS
Red, blistered, white or blackened skin pain in superficial and partial thickness burns shock breathing difficulties hoarse voice and/or snoring sound when breathing
CARE AND TREATMENT
cool only with clean water if possible, and resist using other substances up to 20 minutes for thermal or radiation burns 20-30 minutes for chemical burns 30 minutes for bitumen burns consider scoring or cracking bitumen if it is encircling a limb cover with a clean, non-adherent burn dressing (or plastic wrap etc.) remove tight clothing and objects, eg. jewellery call 999 for an ambulance
Treat for shock
If the burn is severe, ensure that contaminated clothing is removed unless it is adhering to the burn flush chemicals from the skin, pay special attention to eyes.
DO NOT break blisters. Ensure that the cooling process does not become excessive and cause shivering.
Burns to the face inevitably have an effect on the casualty's breathing and these effects may take some time to appear.
It is important that any casualty who has inhaled smoke, fumes or superheated air, or has been burnt on the face, should seek medical aid as soon as possible after the incident.
REMEMBER — Severe burns can lead to shock and massive infection if not treated properly
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Last Updated Friday October 5, 2001 4:18 PM
