Summer First Aid Tips for Major Burns

Burns are caused by heat (like fire), wet heat (like hot liquids and steam), chemicals, electricity, UV radiation (like sun and snow), friction, radiation and heated objects.

Among these, thermal burns are the most common. Thermal burns occur when hot objects, steam, flames, and scalding liquids come in contact with your skin. Space heaters, fires, electrical malfunctions, playing with hot objects, and automobile accidents are the frequent causes of these. Thermal burns can also be the result of getting contact with household appliances like hot iron, stove, oven and flammable chemicals like insecticides.

Burns are classified as first-degree burns which affect just the outer layer of the skin; second-degree burns which affect both the underlying skin and the outer layer of the skin; and third-degree burns or full thickness burns extend to into deeper tissues. Here, we will discuss the first aid treatment for third degree burns.

If the person is still on fire, tell him to stop, drop, and roll. Your first job is to smother the flame. Douse the person with water or use objects like rug, blanket, or cotton coat if water is unavailable.

Serious burns, major burns or third degree burns cause pain, swelling, blisters, peeling skin, charred skin, red skin, and shock. It is important to address these things immediately. Call 911 for emergency assistance. Until help arrives, the following steps will help:

• Make sure that the victim is no longer in contact with fire or heat. Bring him to a safe place where you can administer first aid.
• Do not remove burned clothing from the skin
• Check if the person is breathing. If breathing stopped or if the airway is blocked, open the airway. Do CPR if necessary.
• Do not clean the skin with cold water. Doing this could cause shock.
• Cover the burned area of the skin with dry sterile gauze bondage or clean cloth without breaking blisters. Burned fingers and toe nails should be covered separately with clean, dry and non-adhesive dressing.
• If possible, parts of the body that were burned should be elevated above the level of the heart. Elevating the feet about 12 inches and covering the person with a coat or blanket prevents shock. However, never attempt to move the person to any position that would make him feel uncomfortable.
• Never apply any pressure or friction to the burned area of the skin.
• Stay with the person. Continue monitor his vital signs until help arrives. Blood pressure, rate of breathing and pulse should be checked regularly.