BURNS
Burns
can be one of the most traumatic injuries to deal with. The victim can be
in severe pain, there can be the smell of burnt flesh and depending on the
degree of the burn, and charred clothing can be attached to the victims
flesh. The first step in dealing with burns is to determine the level of
the burn. It should be realized that First and second degree burns can be
caused by prolonged exposure to intense sunlight.
Classification of
burn:
§
First
Degree – skin is reddened
§
Second
Degree – skin is blistered
§
Third
Degree – skin cooked or charred, the burn may extend into the underlying
tissue. In sever cases skin or appendages may be burned off.
Treatment:
- First degree and second degree burns, only
covering up to about 1% (like the size of a hand) body surface:
1.
Wash/soak burned portions in cold water
2. Wash burned
are in soapy water
3. Place
sterile gauze over burned area
4. Bandage burned area
snugly
- Large burns of any degree
1.
If a doctor or hospital is available within 30 minutes or
less:
§
Treat
victim for shock
§
Get victim
to advanced medical treatment, attempt no treatment
2. If advanced
medical aid is not readily available (like in an outdoor/camping/backpacking
setting):
§
Remove
clothing from burned area. Cut around clothing/cloth that sticks to burned
area
§
Apply
antiseptic cream to burned area
§
Cover
burned area with sterile dressings
§
Bandage
snugly (not too tight however)
§
Treat for
shock
§
If victim
is conscious, allow them to drink all the water they desire. Commercial
sport drinks are even better than water if available
§
Get victim
as soon as possible to advanced medical support
Do
Not!
- Touch the burned area with fingers
- Breath on the burn
- Break or drain blisters
- Change any dressings that have been
applied. Only advanced medical support should change or remove any
dressings applied as first aid
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