First Aid for Burns PDF

First Aid for Burn Dr. Ahmed M. Abdel-Halim Lecturer, Cardiopulmonary Department BUC 1 Classified by sources Heat Chemicals Electricity Radiation (including by the sun) Classified by Depth Superficial ( 1st degree) damage to the top layer of skin cells (Sunburn) Partial ( 2nd degree): blistering of...

First Aid for Burn Dr. Ahmed M. Abdel-Halim Lecturer, Cardiopulmonary Department BUC 1 Classified by sources Heat Chemicals Electricity Radiation (including by the sun) Classified by Depth Superficial ( 1st degree) damage to the top layer of skin cells (Sunburn) Partial ( 2nd degree): blistering of the skin Hot water, stove Full thickness (3rd degree) damage to deep muscle and soft tissues (Fire) st 1 Degree Burns Sunburn, hot object, or household chemical – Damage to epidermis – Swelling and tenderness – Red and dry – Usually painful nd 2 Degree Burns Partial Thickness: can be very painful – Damage to several layers beneath the epidermis – Red and swollen and may blister and weep – Leave blisters intact rd 3 Degree Burn Full Thickness – Penetrate all layers of skin and damage tissue of fat, muscle, bone, or nerves – Leathery, waxy, pearly gray, or charred appearance – Often painless since nerves are damaged – Pain usually comes from surrounding tissue First aid for First Degree Burns Cool Area – Water (not ice) or cool cloths until pain ceases. – Cold water is the best immediate treatment for minor burns. – The cold lowers the skin temperature and lessens the severity of the burn. – Do not use ice, because it may further damage the injured skin. Assist with medication – Ibuprofen, aloe vera, moisturizer Do not touch the wound with your hands. – Do not put butter, grease or oil. They increase the risk of infection. Monitor and care – Elevate arms or legs above heart level. 8 First aid for 2nd Degree Burns Small 20% of body – Treat as a 3rd degree burn First aid for 3rd Degree Burns Do NOT apply cold water Bandage and protect – – – – Dry, non-stick, sterile dressing Do not remove items stuck to burn Care for shock Get medical help immediately Prevention of Burn Don’t smoke in bed. To avoid kitchen burns: *Use caution when handling hot foods. *Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. *cover burning food or grease with a lid Note: If the burn is affecting a limb, remove any rings, watches, or straps near the burned area Common Burn Injury Myths There are many myths regarding the first aid treatment of burns. Major burns need to be quickly cooled with running water in order to stop the burning process. ◾ Do not apply toothpaste or butter to a burn. This will not cool the burn adequately. The best method to cool a major burn is to run cold water over it. ◾ Do not burst blisters as this will increase the risk of infection. ◾Do not remove clothing stuck to burned skin. This can cause further damage to the skin. 12 Prevention of Burn Never run if your clothing catches fire. Running will fan the flames. STOP, DROP, and ROLL on the ground to smother the flames. Smother the flames with a blanket, rug, or coat. Electrical Burns – Disconnect any power source before approaching scene of an electrical burn – High voltage electrical currents passing through the body may disrupt the normal heart rhythm, cause cardiac arrest, burns and other injuries. – Never approach or touch a victim of an electrical injury until you are sure the power is turned off. – Check for breathing and pulse if the victim is unconscious. Electrical Burns – Check for other injuries. Because a powerful electric shock can cause strong muscular contractions or can throw the victim to the ground, the victim may have a fractured or spinal injury. Do not move the victim. – Do not cool the burn. Cover any burn injuries with a dry, sterile dressing and give care for shock. – If the victim is not breathing, begin rescue breathing immediately. CHEMICAL BURNS – CHEMICAL BURNS- occur when something caustic, such as cleaning product— bleach, ammonia— household and garden products—fertilizers. First aid for chemical burn: – Wash the area with large quantities of water for at least 20 minutes. Remove any contaminated clothing during the washing. – Cover the burned area with a sterile dressing to avoid infection. – Seek medical help if there is major skin exposure.