If you have been burnt/or are treating someone who is suffering burns then the below points will help:
- Do not touch the burned area to minimise infection.
- Leave any clothing stuck to the burn in place unless it is contaminated with chemicals.
- Leave any blisters intact.
- Hold under cold running water for at least ten minutes and 20 for chemical burns.
- Remove any jewellery or other constrictions.
- Cover with a sterile dressing - a polythene bag or Clingfilm make good temporary dressings.
There are also important facts to remember:
- Do not use lotions, ointments or cream.
- Do not use fluffy material or adhesive dressings.
- Do not break blisters.
- Do not over coll the casualty.
Burns to the airway are very serious as air passages will quickly become swollen and prevent breathing, Take care when flooding chemical burns to ensure that you do not comtaminate other areas with the diluted chemical or that the chemical comes into contact with your own skin, Electrical burns have both and entry and exit injury - remember to treat both wounds. Electric shock can also cause caridac arrest and you need to be prepared to resusictete.
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