First Aid for Burns PDF

tical, immerse the burn in cold water or cool it with cold com- presses. Cooling the burn reduces swelling and helps prevent more skin layers from being affected by conducting heat away from the skin. Do not put ice on the burn. -« Cover the burn. Loosely wrap the burn...

tical, immerse the burn in cold water or cool it with cold com- presses. Cooling the burn reduces swelling and helps prevent more skin layers from being affected by conducting heat away from the skin. Do not put ice on the burn. -« Cover the burn. Loosely wrap the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. Avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the burned skin reduces pain and protects blistered skin. Do not use fluffy cotton, which may irritate the skin. « Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Be sure to ask if the burn victim 1s allergic to any of these pain relievers. Never give aspirin to a child. Minor burns usually heal without further treatment. Watch for signs of infection such as increased pain, redness, fever, swelling or oozing. If infection develops, seek medical help. Avoid re-injuring or tanning if the burns are less than a year old. Caution: « Do not use ice. Putting ice directly on a burn can further damage burned skin. » Do not apply butter or ointments to the burn. ‘These hold in the heat and prevent proper healing. « Do not break blisters. Broken blisters are vulnerable to infection. Third-Degree Burn The most serious burns affect and may cause permanent damage to all layers of skin, underlying tissue, and nerves. Fat, muscle and even bone and organs may be affected. Areas may be charred black or appear dry and white. Difficulty inhaling and exhaling, carbon monoxide poisoning, or other toxic effects may occur if smoke inhalation accompanies the burn. ‘There may be no pain at all in the burned areas where nerve endings are destroyed but pain may be felt around the margin of the affected area. Treatment for Third-Degree Burns: - Check for signs of breathing. If none, begin CPR tf trained, and if company policy and the patient's condition allows. Avoid touching the burned area. 119