First Aid Procedures for Treating Burns

First aid for burns:

Burns are caused by dry heat, acidic substances and friction. they can also be caused by extreme cold, and by heat, including the sun’s rays. Burns may be linked to, or be a result of, a more life-threatening condition. Fire may start accidentally by victims of drug or alcohol abuse. An explosion, or jumping from a burning building, may cause other serious injuries. When burns have been treated, the victim should be thoroughly examined.

First Aid Treatment for burns:

There are many factors to be considered when assessing the severity of a burn and the method of treatment, including the cause of the burn, the depth of the burn, and its extent. The greater the degree of the burn, the more severe the shock will be. Burns also carry a high risk of infection, which increases according to the size and depth of the burn.

The surface skin, is destroyed by burning, leaving the wound exposed to germs. Burns can be categorized in forms such as superficial burns, partial-thickness burns, and full-thickness burns, etc. The burnt area gives an approximate indication of the degree of shock that will develop and, in conjunction with depth, can be used as a guide to the required level of treatment.

In healthy adult any partial-thickness burn of 1% or more must be seen by a medical practitioner. A partial-thickness burn of 9% or more will cause shock and the injured person will require hospital treatment. A full-thickness burn of any size requires hospital treatment.

Treatment of Severe Burns and Scalds requires the following. Soak the burn with abundant amounts of cold liquid. Cooling may take 10 minutes or more, but this must not delay the casualty’s transmission to hospital. While cooling the burns, check their airway, breathing, and pulse. Carefully remove burned clothing unless it is sticking to the burn. Cover the injury with a sterile burns sheet to protect from infection. Burns to the face should be cooled with water and remain uncovered. Make sure that the emergency service is on its way.

While waiting, take care of the casualty. Monitor and trace breathing and pulse, and resuscitate, if necessary. Give the victim oxygen if you are trained to do so. If the casualty becomes unaware, place the victim in the recovery position, and be prepared to resuscitate. Do not use adhesive dressings; apply lotions, ointments, creams, or fats to the injured area in case of minor burns.

Conclusion:

The above given first aid methods should be adopted to save the casualty of burn. One should be cautious in treating the victim and should make your best efforts to assure them.

Also read our article about First Aid for Blisters