First Aid Treatment for Burns and Scalds
How to Treat Minor Scalds and Burns, and Severe Burns
Jul 14, 2009
Burns are most commonly caused by dry heat such as fire, while scalds are caused by exposure to moist heat such as steam or hot liquids. Burns can be caused by electricity, fire, corrosive chemicals, radiation, over-exposure to the sun, or by friction from a fast-moving object rubbing against the skin.
Burns can vary greatly in size, depth and severity and they can damage the underlying body tissues as well as the upper layers of skin. Because damaged skin can not give the body the level of protection that healthy skin does, there is always the risk of infection with burns.
Severity of Burns
Minor burns or scalds only damage the surface of the skin and are fairly small – usually less than 2.5 cm. They can be treated at home without requiring medical assistance. Superficial burns often cause severe pain both in and around the injured area, while deeper burns are often numb at first and the skin can appear grey, charred or peeling.
Emergency medical treatment is required for treating burns that are severe. With all but the most minor burns and scalds, the patient should be monitored carefully for shock. This can range from a vague weakness to total collapse. Shock should be regarded as a serious condition that can require medical attention and can even be fatal.
First Aid for Minor Burns and Scalds
The primary aim of first aid for treatment of burns is to relieve pain and prevent further damage by cooling the area. This is best done by keeping the burned area under cold water for at least 10 minutes. Do not apply ointment or cream, except for mild sunburn which can be soothed with calamine lotion. If blisters form then do not burst them as this can increase the chance of infection.
Follow these steps:
- Remove clothing from the burn area unless it is actually stuck to the skin.
- Immerse the injured area in cold water or hold under a running tap for at least 10 minutes.
- Carefully and gently remove any jewellery, belts or restrictive clothing from around the injured area before swelling commences.
- Cover the burn with clean dry gauze or a sterile dressing. Do not use adhesive dressings or cotton wool.
First Aid for Severe Burns and Scalds
If you are treating someone who has suffered severe burns or scalds you should first lay him down, if possible protecting the burned area from contact with the ground, and commence the same procedure as for minor burns and scalds. Determine the severity of the burns and either take him to hospital or call an ambulance for emergency medical treatment.
It is best to call for an ambulance if:
- The casualty displays any symptoms of shock, such as weakness, faintness, nausea, giddiness, unconsciousness, cold and clammy skin, shallow rapid breathing, weak or erratic pulse.
- The hands or face have been burnt.
- The casualty is an infant, child, sick or elderly person.
- The casualty is experiencing severe pain.
- There is severe blistering or charring.
- The area of the burn is extensive.
- The casualty has a chemical burn.
While waiting for assistance you should offer reassurance and give sips of cool water to replace lost fluid. If the casualty stops breathing, follow the procedure for CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). If the patient is unconscious but breathing normally, he should be placed in the recovery position while waiting for an ambulance.
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