Burns


What can cause a burn?

Thermal Agents
* Flames
* Hot Liquids
* The Sun
* Steam
* Radiation

Chemical
* Acids
* Fluids
* Other Corrosives

Electricity
* Becoming part of a electrical circuit (while grounded)

What can you do?
Affect a Rescue

Remove the person from the source of the potential injury. If the injury involves electricity, insure that the electricity is turned off or that the victim is not in contact with the electrical current. When dealing with chemical or thermal agents, remove the person carefully from the source of the injury and move you and them to a safe environment.

Stop the burning process
Remove the injury causing substance. If the clothing catches fire, STOP DROP AND ROLL to smother the flames. DO NOT RUN! It will only increase the flames and extent of injury. Remove burned clothing and jewelry which can retain heat and intensify the injury. (SPECIAL NOTE: If the clothing adhere to the skin, leave it in place and cut or tear around it to remove the source of heat.)

Pour cool, clean water over the burned area for 10-15 Minutes
Longer periods are recommended for chemical burns. DO NOT put ice on injured area. This may cause greater injury. DO NOT USE OINTMENTS OR BUTTER, LARD, ETC. These products may cause deeper burning by containing heat and are a potential source of infection.

Very minor burn injuries Can be treated with commercial antiseptic sprays and covered with a clean, dry dressing. In the event that an infection occurs...seek medical attention immediately.

More severe burn injuries and those involving chemical and electricity should prompt an immediate response from your local emergency medical service system or fire department.

More sophisticated medical care is mandatory for any type of severe burn injury.