1 Put out fire
2Cool burn
3Expose injury
4 Make victim comfortable
Monitor victim
48 FIRST AID
Severe burns
A burn that affects all the layers of the skin or covers a large area of the body is a severe burn. The aim of first-aid treatment is to cool down the affected area rapidly to minimize damage and loss of body fluids, and therefore reduce the risk of developing shock. Any burn larger than the palm of the victim’ s hand, whatever the depth, needs hospital treatment.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
• Skin that is red, brown and charred, or white
• Blisters
• Unconsciousness
• Clear fluid dripping from skin
• Signs of shock( p. 27)
TREATING SEVERE BURNS
1 Put out fire
• If the victim’ s clothing is on fire, force her to the ground and use a wool or cotton blanket, rug, or coat to smother the flames( p. 182).
• If possible, have someone dial 911 or call EMS for medical help and, if necessary, the fire department.
2Cool burn
• Immerse the burn in cool water, douse it with water, or cover it with cold, wet towels for at least 10 minutes.
• If there is no water, use cold milk or a canned drink to cool the burn.
3Expose injury
• Gently remove any clothing, shoes, belts, or jewelry near the burn, but leave anything that is stuck to it.
• Cover the burn with a sterile wound dressing or clean nonfluffy material.
4 Make victim comfortable
• Lay the victim down, keeping the burn away from the ground and, if possible, above heart level.
• Dial 911 or call EMS if help is not already on the way.
5
Monitor victim
• Monitor the victim’ s breathing( p. 68 for an adult, p. 71 for a child or baby), pulse( p. 68 for an adult, p. 70 for a child or baby), and level of consciousness( p. 12) every 10 minutes while waiting for help.
• Watch for signs of shock( p. 27).
! Important
• Do not apply any ointments to the burn.
• Do not touch the burn or burst any blisters.
• Do not put ice or iced water on the burn.