First Aid for Burns
Burns are injuries to the skin that can be caused by heat, electricity, chemicals, light, radiation, or friction. The severity of the burn depends on the area of the body affected, the degree of the burn and the person's age and health status. Learning first aid for burns can help minimize the severity of the injury and speed up the recovery process.
Types of Burns
Burns can be classified into three types, depending on the depth and severity of the skin injury:
- First-degree burns: Only the top layer of the skin is affected. The skin turns red and may swell slightly. It is usually painful to the touch.
- Second degree burns: The top layer and the layer below it are damaged. The skin may blister and become extremely red and painful.
- Third-degree burns: These burns damage all layers of the skin and underlying tissues. The burned area may appear white or charred.
First Aid for Burns
It is important to follow these steps when administering first aid for burns:
- Remove the person from the heat source: If possible, eliminate the heat source. However, do not jeopardize your security.
- Cool the burn: Run cool (not ice cold) water over the burned area for 10 to 15 minutes. This will help relieve pain and reduce swelling.
- Cover the burn: Use a clean, non-stick cloth to cover the burn. This helps protect the burn from infection.
- Relieve pain: Administer over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed on the package.
- Seek medical attention: All second- and third-degree burns require immediate medical attention. First-degree burns that cover a large area should also be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
It is important to remember that you should never apply ice directly to a burn, as this can cause further damage to the skin. Also, never pop the blisters that form on a second-degree burn, as this can lead to an infection.
Burn Prevention
Although not all burns can be prevented, many can be prevented. Some prevention tips include keeping hot objects out of reach of children, using sunscreen, avoiding the use of hazardous chemicals, and wearing protective gear when working with fire or electricity.
