First Aid For Burns

Burns can be painful or painless. The severity of a burn may not be obvious for up to 24 hours, and infection may occur if improperly treated. There are three degrees, going from superficial to deep. Sources of burns include heat, chemicals and electrical.

Here's what you need to know:
- Any burn area greater than one percent of the body - approximately the size of the victim's hand - requires medical attention.
- Burns of the fingers, toes, genitals, and eyes always require medical attention.
- Burns involving the face, airway, and neck are considered life threatening and require immediate medical attention.
- All third-degree burns no matter how small, require medical attention,
- Anyone who inhales smoke, fumes or flames (Fume Inhalation) is also at risk and requires prompt medical attention.
- Remember, heat may cause the airway to swell, resulting in Breathing Difficulty. If you suspect airway burns, get prompt medical attention for the victim while monitoring for responsiveness and breathing.

First-Degree Burns

Signs & Symptoms:
- Redness of skin
- Pain
- Mild swelling

Tips:
- If possible, hold the burned area under cold (not ice cold) running water for at least 10 minutes. Continue until pain subsides.
- Leave uncovered. Protect from sun, dirt and friction.
- Re-examine in 24 hours and look for signs of second-degree burn.
- Medical attention may be required, depending on location.

Second-Degree Burns

Signs & Symptoms:
- Deep reddening of skin
- Blisters
- Pain

Tips:
- Do not break blisters.
- Do not place ice directly on a burn.
- Do not chill the victim.
- Get medical attention immediately if the burned area is greater than one percent of the body, located over a joint, groin or on the face. If a small area is involved, immerse in fresh, cold water (preferably sterile water) or apply cold (ice/water) compresses. Continue until pain subsides.
- Dry with a clean cloth and cover with sterile non-stick dressing, protecting intact blisters. (Clean, clear food wrap or a plastic bag can also be used.)
- Elevate burned area.
- Get medical help.

Third-Degree Burns

Signs & Symptoms:
- Damage to all layers of skin, including nerves
- Painless (because nerves have been damaged)
- White or black dry, leathery skin
- Possible charring of skin edges
- Area often surrounded by first- and second- degree burns

Tips:
- Call for medical help.
- Monitor for responsiveness and breathing.
- Cover burn lightly with sterile non-stick dressing.
- Elevate burned area higher than victim's heart, if possible.
- If face is burned, have person sit up.

Tips:
- Keep person warm and comfortable.
- Monitor and treat for Shock if present.

Heat Burns
- Do not peel adhered clothing from burn.
- Do not rupture blisters.
- Do not apply ointment or household products to a burn, unless instructed by medical personnel.
- Do not apply ice directly to burn.
- Don't chill victim as you're cooling the burn area.
- Stop the burning process by removing ignited clothing and all jewelry from the burn area. Some items, such as belts, will continue to burn until removed.
- If extremities are burned, remove all jewelry beyond the burn, as swelling may develop and could cause the jewelry to cut off the circulation.
- Cool as soon as possible with drinkable water for at least 10 minutes;
- Give first aid for the degree of the burn.

Chemical Burns
Before an accident occurs, learn specific first aid procedures for any hazardous materials that you may possibly be exposed to. Check the emergency instructions on the container or consult the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) or the Poison Help Center in your area.

Signs & Symptoms:
- Red, irritated skin and eyes
- Burning sensation at contact area
- Do not try to neutralize chemical burns unless directed by professionals.
- Do not put any medicines or household products on a burn unless told by medical personnel.
- Be sure it is safe for you to help.
- Taking steps to protect yourself from exposure to the chemical:
- Remove any contaminated clothing.
- In case of exposure to an acid or alkali on the skin quickly pour copious amounts of water on area.
- Quickly flush chemical burns with lots of lukewarm water (for at least 10 minutes and until pain subsides).
- Be sure to wash the chemical away completely.
- Treat Chemical Burns of the Eye(s) with immediate flushing with lots of lukewarm water (for at least 15 minutes and until help arrives).
- All chemical burns - no matter how minor - require medical attention.