Burns and Scalds
Burns cause damage to the skin and underlying tissues by excessive heat from fire, steam, water or chemicals. Infants and the elderly do not compensate well after burn injuries and need medical attention immediately
Surface burns and scalds
Partial skin thickness
Signs and symptoms
- Very painful
- Reddened skin
- Blisters
- Swelling
Treatment
- Cool with copious quantities of water for 10 minutes (check the clock). If still painful cool under water again
- Cover with clingfilm preferably, otherwise sterile dressings. If neither are available then use clean lint-free cloth. You can continue to cool affected area with water when covered by clingfilm Do not completely encircle any part of the body in clingfilm as swelling may occur
- Place clingfilm / dressings between adjacent burnt areas e.g. fingers or toes
- Take the patient to Medical Centre or DIAL EMERGENCY depending on the severity of burn
- ANY burn covering an area the size of the palm of the patient’s hand requires medical treatment
- Burns on the face or chest will cause breathing difficulty
- Any burns to the face, hands, feet or genitals are considered serious
- If in doubt, always DIAL EMERGENCY
DO NOT
- Give any medications or drinks
- Break or prick blisters
- Pull away any clothing stuck to the burn
- Put ointments, oils, butter or any substance at all on the burn
- Leave the patient alone
Chemical Burns – DIAL EMERGENCY
Read and understand information sheets on all chemicals before using them
- Brush or wash off chemical – protect yourself and the patient from further harm
- Most chemicals will require large amounts of water to flush them away
- Keep flushing until medical help arrives
- Flush for at least 20 minutes ( check the clock)
- If the patient has to be transported, cover their burnt skin with clingfilm preferably, otherwise sterile dressings
Child Safety
- Keep children out of the kitchen when cooking
- Watch children when using incinerator
- Keep matches, lighters and candles where children cannot reach them
- Barbeques can cause extreme injuries. Erect out of the way and set clear childfree boundaries around them
- Never leave lighters or matches in any vehicle where children may travel – even childproof/child resistant ones
For comprehensive first aid information please refer to the MediTrain First Aid Manual or complete a MediTrain First Aid training course.
This First Aid tip is just one example of the contents of the SkillsforLife First Aid Manual.