What Should You Know Before Giving First Aid for Burns?

No matter the severity of your burn, such injuries tend to be exceedingly painful and can even scar you for life. They can occur at home, at work, or even as you travel for free. That being said, it is not merely fire that could injure you. While large fires could be life-threatening, you must also be prepared for cases of scalding by hot liquids. Then there are electric or chemical burns can be sustained from contact with electrical appliances, chemicals such as acids or even exposure to radiation. Most of these injuries take time to heal.

This is precisely why the right first aid for burns must be administered. Without proper care, you even risk developing secondary infections that can further delay the healing process. Here’s a guide to some do’s and don’ts that you may adhere to prior to offering first aid to a victim who has suffered from burns.

Focus on Proper Wound Assessment

It is imperative that the wound is examined well. You should know if the wound is superficial or deep and the extent of tissue damage sustained. So begin by removing all the clothing that can act as a barrier to treating the wound. This includes tight clothes, belts, or jewelry. However one must avoid things stuck to the wound as they might just cause the skin to peel off.

A minor burn can be treated with first aid. Yet a deeper wound might mean severe tissue damage. This would require you to seek immediate medical help. Hence it would be wise to contact a paramedic.

Gain a Better Understanding of Types of Burns

A person who wishes to administer first aid should also be able to recognize wounds caused by burns.

First Degree Burns: These are superficial and involve the top layer of the skin or the epidermis much like sunburns. There may be redness and inflammation which would heal within a few days.

Second-Degree Burns: They damage the underlying layer that is the dermis which comprises of follicles and perspiration pores. Usually, there are painful blisters formed in second-degree burns.

Third-Degree Burns: These are the most severe. The skin is charred and underlying tissue may be injured badly. Both second and third-degree burns need medical attention and may need long term care to heal and even skin grafts.

Aspects to be Aware of Prior to Offering Burn Victims First Aid

1. You must know if the victim is in any pain or shock.
2. One of the most important things one ought to know is the reason for the burn and the extent of damage caused by it.
3. Recognize the category of burn because victims of severe burns may lose body fluids and suffer from shock or respiratory obstruction. They may need emergency CPR.
4. A person may have suffered from a thermal burn if he came in contact with an intensely hot object. If you wish to treat him, you must know if it was a solid such as a heating iron, a liquid such as hot water or even tea or steam. Steam burns are the most painful. The burn should be held under clean running water for some time.
5. It would also be good to know if the person who has suffered from burns is allergic to any pain medication or antibiotics. This can help you when administering over the counter medication so you can avoid complications.

Your responsible and swift action can save a life. All you need is the presence of mind and sound knowledge of first aid burns, which can make sure that the process is smooth and hassle-free.