Burn Injuries:
Your skin is the body’s largest organ. It provides a protective barrier against bacteria, a cooling system via sweat and a sense organ which gives us information.
Burns and scalds are damage to the skin usually caused by heat. A burn is caused by dry heat (object, fire etc) while a scald is caused by something wet, such as hot water or steam.
The first aid for burns and scalds are the same.
To properly treat a burn, follow these steps:
- Stop the burning process.
- Immediately get the person away from the heat source to stop the burning.
- Flames should be doused with water or smothered with a blank or by rolling the victim on the ground.
- Remove any jewelry or cloths in the injured area. Do NOT remove any material which is stuck to the skin.
- Cool the burn.
- Immerse or irrigate the burn with running tepid water for up to 20 minutes.
- Do not use ice water as it can make the burn worse.
- Cover the burn.
- Dry, clean dressing can be used to cover the burn and keep the patient warm
- Avoid using wet dressings.
- Lay dressing on the burn, do not wrap as it may swell.
- If the burn is significant, call 9-1-1.
- If the burn was caused by an electrical shock or chemical.
- Generally, if the burn is larger than the persons hand
- Regardless of size, any burn that causes white or charred skin
- Burns located on neck, face, hands, feet or any joint