Burns and Scalds First Aid Procedures
Although burns and scalds are not caused by the same type of heat, they are treated the same way. Burns are caused by extreme dry heat, while scalds are caused by steam. The type of treatment required depends on the severity of the injury. There are three different degrees of burns and scalds. These degrees are first degree, second degree, and third degree. First degree burns are the least severe of the three types of burns because they only affect the top layer of skin (epidermis). Second degree burns affect the top two layers of skin, the epidermis and the dermis. Second degree burns typically cause blisters that fill up with pus. Third degree burns are, by far, the most severe type of burn. These burns cause damage to all layers of the skin and usually cause lasting damage. Not only do these burns damage the skin, but they can possibly cause permanent damage to the affected bones, muscles, and nerves.
First Aid for First Degree or Minor Second Degree Burns and Scalds
Most first degree and minor second degree burns and scalds can be treated at home without any required medical attention. The only exceptions to this rule is if the burn is on the face, groin, hands, or feet. Burns in these areas require prompt medical attention. Although minor burns are usually not serious, they still need to be treated immediately to avoid any further complications.
Cooling the affected area is the first course of action that should be taken for minor burns. This can be done by running cold water over the affected area for up to fifteen minutes. If the burning does not subside after fifteen minutes, the burn should continue to be cooled until it does so. If there is no water supply available, cold compresses or other cool liquids may be used. Ice should not be used on burns because it can cause further damage to the skin.
After the burn has been cooled, the next step is to loosely cover the area with sterile gauze. It is important that the burn be cooled before doing this, as the gauze can hold the heat in, increasing the amount of pain for the victim. Soft, fluffy materials that contain lint should not be used because the lint can stick to the burn.
If, after the burn is cooled and dressed, the victim is still in pain, over the counter pain relievers may be used to address the issue.
While minor burns are usually not serious, there is always the risk of infection. Certain types of infections can be dangerous, so it is important to watch for any signs of infection. The signs of infection include, but are not limited to, redness, fever, swelling of the affected area, or any oozing from the burn site. If an infection is suspected, the victim should seek medical attention. To prevent an infection from occurring, avoid bursting any present blisters or applying any type of ointment to the burn.
The affected skin is vulnerable for up to one year after the occurrence of the burn. To avoid further damage to pigment of the skin, overexposure to the sun should be avoided. If sun exposure cannot be avoided, a high SPF sunblock should be used.
First Aid for Third Degree Burns and Scalds
Since these types of burns and scalds can be life threatening, calling 911 should be the first course of action. While waiting on help to arrive, first aid should be administered to the victim.
Any smoldering clothing or hot jewelry should be removed from the victim immediately. The victim should also be moved away from any source of heat or smoke.
If the victim is not breathing, CPR should be administered immediately. Once it is known that the victim is breathing, the affected areas should be raised above heart level, if possible.
Third degree burns should not be cooled with water because doing so could cause hypothermia. Hypothermia causes the blood pressure and blood circulation to drop drastically. This sudden drop in blood pressure and circulation is known as shock, a condition that can be extremely dangerous.
First Aid for Chemical Burns
In the case of a chemical burn, the first course of action is removing the chemical from the body of the victim. Any chemical that is on the skin should be rinsed off with cool water for at least twenty minutes. If the victim is still burning after twenty minutes, continue to rinse the skin until it subsides. Any contaminated clothing should be removed immediately to prevent further damage. Once the chemical is removed from the victim, it is a good idea to call the Poison Control Center to make sure the chemical is not toxic.
After the chemical has been wiped off and the burn has cooled, the wound should be wrapped loosely with sterile gauze. Over the counter pain relievers may be taken to reduce the pain associated with the burn. If the pain medication does not take care of the pain, the victim should seek medical attention to rule out any serious damage.
If the chemical burn is severe, immediate medical attention is necessary. A severe chemical burn is one that goes beyond the first layer of skin and is larger than three inches in diameter. Any chemical burn on the eyes, hands, feet, face, groin, buttock, or a major joint is also considered severe. Other signs of a severe chemical burn include shock, fainting, or slow breathing. If medical treatment is necessary, the chemical's original container should be taken in, with the victim, for investigation. If there is no container available, any information known about the chemical should be reported to the medical staff.