First aid for burns

Burns are caused by dry heat, acidic substances and friction. Burns can also be produced by extreme cold, and by heat, including the sun's rays. Burns may be linked to, or a result of, a more life-threatening condition. Fire may start accidentally by victims of drug or alcohol overdose. An explosion, or jumping from a burning building, may originate other serious injuries. When burns have been treated, the victim should be thoroughly examined.

Treatment for burn:

There are many factors to be considered when assessing the severity of a burn and the method of treatment, including the cause of the burn, the depth of the burn, and its extent. The greater the degree of the burn, the more cruel the shock will be. Burns also carry a severe risk of infection, which increases according to the size and depth of the burn. The skin, is destroyed by burning, leaving it exposed to germs. Burns can be categorized in forms such as superficial burns, partial-thickness burns, and full-thickness burns, etc. The burnt area gives an approximate indication of the degree of shock that will develop and, in conjunction with depth, can be used as a guide to the required level of treatment. In healthy adult any partial-thickness burn of 1% or more must be seen by a medical practitioner. A partial-thickness burn of 9% or more will cause shock and the injured person will require hospital treatment. A full-thickness burn of any size requires hospital treatment.

Treatment of Severe Burns and Scalds requires the following. Soak the burn with abundant amount of cold liquid. Cooling may take 10 minutes or more, but this must not delay casualty's transmission to hospital. While cooling the burns, check airway, breathing, and pulse. Carefully remove burned clothing unless it is sticking to the burn. Cover the injury with a sterile burns sheet to protect from infection. Burns to the face should be cooled with water and remain uncovered. Make sure that the emergency service is on its way. While waiting, take care of the casualty. Monitor and trace breathing and pulse, and resuscitate, if necessary. Give the victim oxygen if you are trained to do so. If the casualty becomes unaware, place the victim in the recovery position, and be prepared to resuscitate. Do not use adhesive dressings; apply lotions, ointments, creams, or fats to the injured area in case of minor burns.

Conclusion:

The above given method should be adopted to save casualty of burn. One should be cautious in treating the victim and should make his best efforts to save him.

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