First Aid for Burns: What You Need to Know

If you’ve ever experienced a burn injury, you will know that burns are one of the most traumatic things that can happen to a person. Beyond causing cosmetic damage, major burns can easily result in shock, hypothermia, sepsis, and death. Knowing the basics of first aid for burns can make a significant difference in these situations.

The first aid received after a burns incident plays a huge role in a person’s outcome. Chemicals, radiation, steam, and definitely, fires can result in burns and it is crucial to know how to administer first aid for burns.

Do you know what to do in case of a fire accident? Keep reading to learn more; it could save a life.

How To Administer First Aid for Burns

If you notice a fire and victims in the incident, you should swing into action by doing the following;

Remove the Source of the Fire

The first step to help someone experiencing a fire burn is to separate the victim or yourself from the fire. Promptly knowing and applying first aid for burns could save lives in such situations.

You could use a fire extinguisher or quench the fire with water. You could also try placing a thick blanket over the burning person. Using a thick blanket will cut off the oxygen supply to the fuel and stop the fire.

Remember to call for help and stay as safe as possible while helping out.

Stop the burning process

The fact that a fire has been stopped does not mean that the burn is over. It is vital to follow all steps of first aid for burns.

The intense heat can continue to spread into the body and burn deeper structures. To halt this process, place the victim under room temperature to cool (not cold) running water for 10-20 minutes. Let the water flow gently, as a forceful current may further injure the skin.

Remove restrictive clothing and jewelry

The inflammation from burns can rapidly result in tissue swelling which can cause suffocation and compartment syndrome

So even before the swelling begins, remove any necklace, belts and other tight-fitting clothing from the burn victim.

It is however important to avoid tampering with clothing that is stuck to the burnt area. Attempting to peel off adherent garment will only cause further damage to the affected skin and deeper structures.

Check for airway injury

Dealing with a fire situation can be quite overwhelming. But you must remain observant. Observe the burn victim for signs of airway injury, as this can result in immediate death. This is an essential step in first aid for burns to prevent further complications.

Signs of airway burns include coughing; the presence of soothe in mouth and nose; spitting out black substances; noticing burnt stands of hair in the nostrils; voice changes; and difficulty breathing.

In severe cases, there may be a lack of respiratory effort. If you notice this, begin CPR if you can, while you arrange transport to the nearest hospital.

Cover up

Hypothermia is one of the most common immediate complications of burns. The loss of the protective skin barrier and possible exposure to water can easily result in dangerously low body temperature.

Make sure to cover the burns victim up to avoid potentially fatal hypothermia. Properly covering the victim is a crucial part of first aid for burns.

When Should You Seek Medical Help After First Aid for Burns?

Despite administering first for burns at home, it can only do so much. Major burns cannot be safely treated at home. It is important to take the victim to the nearest hospital or burns center if available.

A trained eye can recognize severe burns and all the impending threats to life that you may not notice.

A word from Healthfacts

Accidents happen sometimes, and knowing the right thing to do is important for survival and good outcomes. Follow the steps above for effective first aid for burns.

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